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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/08/AR2006110802497.html
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https://web.archive.org/web/2006110919id_/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/08/AR2006110802497.html
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'The O.C.': So Over-the-Top It's Hit Rock Bottom
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Barely into its fourth season, "The O.C." is hanging on for dear life.
Mired in low ratings, Fox's soapy teen drama -- which last season iced one of its stars in a pathetic bid for viewers -- has now resorted to turning one character into a kooky eco-crusader and another into . . . a cage fighter.
We have a better answer.
Besides, creatively, the show is so dead.
This week, in perhaps a last-ditch attempt to boost viewership, Fox moved the show's regular slot from Thursday to Wednesday, but not before its season premiere last week opposite "Grey's Anatomy" and "CSI" drew a woeful 3.4 million viewers -- this from a former hit that averaged 9.7 million during its 2003-04 debut season. Fox is airing the third episode tonight anyway.
It's been a slow, hard descent for "The O.C.," which became a pop-culture darling that made instant stars -- and tabloid fodder -- of its cast members and then-26-year-old creator, Josh Schwartz. (We also soon reveled in the real-life hookups, fashion faux pas and meta-drama among the show's hot young actors.)
The show had a formula that on the surface wasn't all that new. A rough-and-tumble outsider is taken in by rich benefactors in Orange County, Calif., who want to make a project of him -- because, hey, money does such wonderful things to people. The alcoholic mothers (there have been two) and derelict siblings (one brother, several sisters) were pure soap.
"The O.C.," though, had a spark of something else: It made fun of its pretty-boy jocks; its stock villainess faced disappointment after disappointment and, it turns out, wasn't so stock; it featured an ethnically mixed family (the show popularized the ultra-inclusive holiday Chrismukkah); and it had the cleverness to mock itself (even as it put a cappuccino bar in a high school).
What happened? Schwartz lost a handle on his show (news of the killed-off character was leaked by the star), and now writes the episodes less and less often. Worse, story lines were abandoned as quickly as they were introduced and characters expunged, and it was so obvious why: The writing wasn't working. Everybody was in on the joke, and the joke became "The O.C."
The flameout of Fox's savvy teen hit made for spectacular viewing. The first season was the best of so-bad-it's-good fun. No party could go down -- on the beach, in a mansion or in a motel room -- without punches or a hair-yanking catfight. It got so that just a mention of a coming winter formal or summer gala sparked giggles -- because, no doubt, someone was going to get decked and, we hoped, thrown into the pool.
Skeletal sot Marissa (Mischa Barton), master hostess of so many of these affairs, pulled full-on liter bottles of vodka from her designer purse at opportune moments. There were frequent modernist references to "The Valley," the teen soap that the libidinous kids on "The O.C." might have interrupted coitus to watch.
The missteps began early on. In a first-season episode, Theresa, the outsider's old flame from the slums of Chino, pops in, bringing drama with her. In a world where everyone drinks, sleeps around and takes drugs, only Theresa -- the show's lone minority character at the time -- became the teen mom.
By the second season, we sniffed more heavy-handed manipulation. "The O.C.," which had developed a rep for bringing the indie-rock likes of Sufjan Stevens and Bloc Party to the masses, started featuring the bands on the show, and it sure looked like an ad.
The death knell, though, was Marissa's second-season foray into lesbianism. Viewers scoffed, but not out of homophobia; rather, the show's hipness suddenly felt so forced.
From there, it got absurd. Summer (Rachel Bilson) is now a campus activist (she's such a literal tree-hugger that the writers seem to want to imply that environmentalism is a cheesy cause). Ryan (Benjamin McKenzie) fights in cages. Marissa's sister, whose name is not even worth learning -- the show being doomed and all -- sluts around. And all that boozing and fighting has gotten most of the kids admitted to the Ivies.
It's all so silly and so false that it has the desperate feel of the end. So we'll say it now:
Peace out, "O.C." It was a party while it lasted.
The O.C. (one hour) airs tonight at 9 on Channel 5.
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Get style news headlines from The Washington Post, including entertainment news, comics, horoscopes, crossword, TV, Dear Abby. arts/theater, Sunday Source and weekend section. Washington Post columnists, movie/book reviews, Carolyn Hax, Tom Shales.
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You're Welcome
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Fortunate are those who have a foyer or front hall or entry hall or whatever you call the space where people -- both those who live there and those just visiting -- can pull off muddy boots, drop their umbrellas and feel welcomed.
"A foyer, however diminutive, is a good thing because it acts as a transition from the outside to the inside," says Simon Temprell, an interior designer from Alexandria. "When you are forced to enter a home directly into the living room or kitchen, it makes meeting and greeting just a little less formal and much less private." And besides: "When the UPS guy comes to deliver a parcel, do you really want him peering straight into your living room to witness the fact that you're watching 'Days of Our Lives' and eating Ben & Jerry's straight from the carton?"
So in homes without a designated entry space, it's worth some effort to devise a transition -- however small -- where we can greet guests, hang up a jacket, drop our keys and check the mail. A welcoming light is always nice, as is storage for coats and gloves. Even a little table or shelf can help organize our daily comings and goings (Where's my cellphone?). A mirror, most people agree, is a plus.
Mary Challinor and Henry Richardson found a way to include those qualities in their foyerless Cleveland Park four-square. Although the front door opens directly into their large open living space, half-walls with Doric columns were added on one side to set off a bright study; a long table backing a couch defines a living room on the other.
The advantages of this simple change are myriad. The low walls create space to display decorative objects. Small built-in drawers can corral keys and cellphones. And in a particularly inventive touch, the cupboard doors below are faced with woven caning typically seen in chairs, which allows plenty of airflow to encourage drying of damp scarves and mittens.
The design maintains a feeling of light and openness, Challinor says. As architect Alan Dynerman put it during the 1997 renovation, she says, the space remains so open "you can still play baseball between the two rooms."
The couple's two children were in grade school when they moved into the house -- just the age when backpacks, sports gear, toys and boots tend to get dropped right inside the door.
Though the children are now grown, "we definitely had the snowsuit phase," Challinor says. She asked her children not to dump their things on the floor and to put things away in the cabinet. "You just have to be a little disciplined about that," she says.
There are drawbacks to not having an even more separate space. "If you have a dinner party and it's snowing, you have to lay out trays, and people leave salty, wet puddles," Challinor says. And rugs take a beating when there is not place between porch and living space. "It's the footfall problem."
Across town in Shaw, the front door of Washington architect Ira Tattelman's townhouse also opens directly into his open living/dining/kitchen area. Less than four feet inside the door, a stairway heads up to the second floor, leaving precious little entry space.
Without much room to maneuver, Tattelman still managed to add elements of a foyer to create an efficient, welcoming area.
A durable carpet tile defines the area between front door and living room. It protects the bamboo floors and can be changed when it gets too dirty.
Tattelman didn't want a mirror in the space, so he hung sturdy hooks on the wall instead. "Basically, there are no closets on that first floor, so if someone comes over and has a wet coat, that seemed to be the most appropriate location to hang coats."
To the right of the staircase, two foot-tall glass vases hold umbrellas when needed. Nearby, an oblong table holds a table lamp. "We put our mail there, and we keep an extra set of keys there."
Sharon Hayden owns Fabulous Finds, an antique business that operates within Stuff, a home decorating store in Vienna. She says carefully chosen furniture can create a natural transition space for an entry.
"I encourage people to use a low piece, almost as if it were a knee wall. . . . It gives you a place to drop your keys or mail while providing plenty of storage. Flanked by a couple of small chairs, you even have a place to sit while removing outerwear."
Low furniture also makes an adjoining living room seem larger, by leaving an unobstructed view across the space. With a small lamp placed on a chest, for example, the chest can offer storage space while doubling as a sofa table or love seat.
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Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland home and garden news/headlines, including build/fix and furnishing/design, garden/patio tips. Resources and coupons for homes and gardens, DC, MD, VA contacts. Guides for organizing, cleaning, planting and caring.
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What the New Congress Will Mean for Business
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Democrats wasted no time yesterday proclaiming a new era in Washington, pledging to put middle-class economic issues at the top of their agenda. They promised fresh scrutiny of drug prices, corporate profits, international trade and more.
While President Bush and Democratic leaders pledged to cooperate, the presumptive chairmen of key House committees laid out plans to challenge the president on many issues important to business interests.
For instance, an exuberant Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Mich.) rattled off a to-do list for the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, including regulating dietary supplements, promoting electric cars and examining drug-safety procedures at the Food and Drug Administration. "We'll kill the closest snake first," he said when asked about his priorities.
Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.) said he would act quickly as Ways and Means chairman to authorize Medicare to haggle with drug companies over prices. Asked about White House opposition, Rangel wondered whether the president "has any idea of how frustrated the voters were and how much he was responsible for that frustration."
Analysts say that Democrats may find chastened Republicans receptive to some ideas, such as raising the minimum wage, but that compromise will be tough on many issues.
"There's nothing more important on either party's mind than winning the presidency in 2008," said Mark Weinberger, a partner at Ernst & Young LLP and a former Bush Treasury official. "The window for bipartisan cooperation is very small."
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Washington,DC,Virginia,Maryland business headlines,stock portfolio,markets,economy,mutual funds,personal finance,Dow Jones,S&P 500,NASDAQ quotes,company research tools. Federal Reserve,Bernanke,Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Newspapers Know No End To Turmoil
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It's no exaggeration to say that bad news comes every day for the embattled newspaper industry.
Yesterday, the editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer became the second top editor of a major newspaper in two days to leave.
Also yesterday, investors increased pressure on the New York Times Co. to scrap its venerated family-ownership structure, saying it has harmed the company's value and is no longer accountable to public shareholders.
Amanda Bennett, the Inquirer's editor for the past three years, was replaced by National Public Radio ombudsman Bill Marimow, who left as editor of the Baltimore Sun in 2004 after staff cuts there. At the Inquirer, Marimow may have to cut more than one-third of his staff within weeks.
And in Los Angeles, staff members at the Times have had exactly one day to deal with losing editor Dean Baquet -- who was fired Tuesday after refusing to make staff cuts required by the paper's corporate owners -- before new reports emerged that L.A. supermarket magnate Ronald W. Burkle wants to buy their paper and its parent, the Tribune Co.
"I'd say we're slowly recovering here," said Vernon Loeb, the L.A. Times' California investigations editor. "But I wouldn't want to minimize how deeply all of us feel the loss of Dean. He wasn't just admired here. He was beloved."
Facing declining circulation since 1987 and diminished revenue for the past few years, major newspapers and their owners are trying to remake themselves for the digital age. Most papers have moved aggressively into Internet -- and some, mobile -- delivery of their news and ad sales, as they attempt to follow their readers from paper to the Web and beyond.
But the changeover has been costly, and even though online ad revenue has been rising, it is not enough to offset the loss of classified and display advertising in newspapers.
Newspaper companies also are feeling pressure from Wall Street investors, who see an industry that shows little or no growth potential.
In Philadelphia, the Inquirer is one of the old lions of the industry, a multiple Pulitzer Prize winner, once home to renowned national and foreign correspondents. But the paper has lost tens of thousands of readers in recent years, more than most of its industry peers. Daily circulation, 500,000 at its peak in the 1980s, is 332,000 today.
Earlier this year, the paper's former owner, Knight Ridder, was bought by the McClatchy Co. chain, which kept Knight Ridder's growing papers and sold poorer performers, such as the Inquirer.
The paper's newsroom had already lost 75 employees to buyouts, taking the staff down to about 410. Now, the new owners are negotiating with the employees' union to cut as many as 150 newsroom jobs.
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It's no exaggeration to say that bad news comes every day for the embattled newspaper industry.
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Betts Finds It's Better to Receive
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When the Washington Redskins acquired T.J. Duckett from the Atlanta Falcons in late August, the running backs vying for playing time with Clinton Portis were despondent. Rock Cartwright, the specialty back fighting for an opportunity, was near tears. Mike Sellers, the 6-foot-3, 278-pound fullback, was visibly angry, unclear of his role because the burly, higher-profile Duckett possessed many of the same skills.
Ladell Betts, Portis's immediate backup, was confused about his future but focused on the present. His contract was up at the end of the season and the status of negotiations was murky at best. Betts's strategy was clear: He would do what his football team asked him to do.
More than two months later, at the midpoint of the season, Duckett remains in limbo, and in associate head coach Al Saunders's new offense, Portis -- who in seven games has only twice carried the ball 20 times -- hasn't quite found his comfort level.
Meanwhile, in something of an odd turn, it is Betts, 27, who is having the best season of his career.
With eight games left, Betts has become a different player. His 26 receptions are nearly double his previous career high of 15, achieved in both 2003 and 2004. He has 223 yards receiving in eight games, topping his 2002 high of 167. Running the ball, he has 283 yards on 62 carries and is projected to have career highs in both rushes and yards.
"It's always been something that's come natural to me, as far as catching the ball. This coaching staff, I sense that coach Saunders seems to throw the ball to me more, which is something I haven't done a whole lot of in the past," he said. "I'll do whatever it takes. I'll do whatever they ask. If they want me to catch the ball, I'll catch the ball. If they want me to run it, I'll run it. I just do what they ask me to do, basically."
Behind Santana Moss, no Redskins player has caught more passes than Betts. Chris Cooley has two fewer receptions, but one more yard. While quarterback Mark Brunell has been criticized for not going downfield enough, for checking down to Betts instead of attempting lower percentage but potentially more explosive plays in the passing game, Betts has exploited defenses for big plays.
Sunday against Dallas, on third and five from the 10-yard line, Betts took a swing pass from Brunell and raced six yards to set up first and goal. Later in the game, on second and seven from his 36, Betts took a similar play 21 yards into Dallas territory.
"Ladell right now is playing at a very high level. He's stayed healthy, he's going extremely hard for us. He's a very good receiver coming out of the backfield. The one he caught in the flat was huge," Coach Joe Gibbs said. "That was a very big play. In the last three years, I think this is the best he's played."
With Portis being the undisputed main running back, Betts has tailored his game to maximize his value in Saunders's offense by becoming a major receiving threat.
"I think you're seeing a guy really blossom in the role that he has. It's a credit to his growth and maturity," Redskins running backs coach Earnest Byner said. "He's really taken to a lot of things we talk about in our room, and that includes leadership on this team and holding each other accountable, and he's been an exceptionally good guy in our backfield and has some of the better hands on our team. He runs really disciplined routes and he's really embracing this opportunity."
There is another benefit to Betts's receiving abilities: Should he and the Redskins be unable to work out a deal next season, Betts's value in the passing game will have increased his marketability.
"It gives me the chance to showcase the fact that I'm not just a runner, that I can catch the ball," Betts said. "Some running backs struggle with that, believe it or not, so this gives me the chance to diversify my game."
Nine running backs in the NFL have more receptions than Betts, and eight of them -- including the New York Giants' Tiki Barber and Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook -- are the featured running backs in their systems. Betts is a reserve who is developing into that pace-changing runner who is essential to most successful offenses.
"It's about touches, about getting the ball in space. And one of the reasons why Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson and Marshall Faulk were so successful was because of the variety of ways they could get the football," Saunders said.
Saunders said he did not have to sell Betts on changing his mind-set from a pounding running back to a more versatile one, but said Betts could immediately sense the value of having a diverse game because of his increased playing time.
"If you're a one-dimensional player, it's like being a one-dimensional offense. People catch up to you and you don't have any opportunities to expand," Saunders said. "Baltimore finds that out in the running game. Jamal Lewis is a one-dimensional player, so he hasn't had the opportunity to get the ball in a lot of different ways. We would like to get the ball to our backs in conventional and unconventional ways, and if you have skills to catch the football and play in space, instead of just running between the tackles, the menu is so much larger, and that's where Ladell fits in."
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Info on Washington Redskins including the 2005 NFL Preview. Get the latest game schedule and statistics for the Redskins. Follow the Washington Redskins under the direction of Coach Joe Gibbs.
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A Dynasty in the Making?
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The Maryland women's basketball team returns every critical piece of its national championship lineup, the core of which consists of sophomores and juniors. The names of Terrapin players dot preseason awards watch lists. And people around the team are anticipating what's shaping up to be a top five recruiting class.
Those outside of College Park have taken note as well.
Following its 34-4 season and romp through the NCAA tournament last spring, Maryland earned the No. 1 ranking in the preseason Associated Press poll yesterday, the first time in a decade that Tennessee, Connecticut or Duke didn't occupy the top spot.
With this, Washington Mystics General Manager Linda Hargrove asked the natural question. "For a young team to do what they did last year, it starts you thinking," said Hargrove, a veteran of the college coaching ranks. "Can they duplicate, triplicate? Can they do it again and again?"
That's the question surrounding the Terrapins as they begin the defense of their national championship at Middle Tennessee tomorrow. All five starters from the championship team return, including its leading scorer, junior forward Crystal Langhorne, and ACC rookie of the year Marissa Coleman. Guard Shay Doron, a second-team all-American, is the only senior among the starters.
From the establishment of the women's NCAA tournament in 1982, the story of women's college basketball has been one of dynastic runs.
Louisiana Tech and Southern California each won two national titles in the 1980s. Coach Pat Summitt built the first dynasty at Tennessee, winning six national championships, the last in 1998. Coach Geno Auriemma elevated Connecticut into a national power in the mid-1990s, winning three straight national championships from 2002 to 2004 and five titles overall.
But in the two seasons since U-Conn.'s dominant run, the landscape has changed dramatically. Baylor won the title in 2005, becoming the first first-time champ since Purdue in 1999. Maryland's championship last season extended the trend, supporting a growing consensus by those in the game that the era of dynasties is over.
"We all want to be that dynasty," said Maryland Coach Brenda Frese, whose national championship necklace glittered under the lights at Comcast Center during a recent practice. "But you kind of have to watch. You see those dynasties from the past weren't in the Final Four this past year winning it, Maryland winning it. You start to see a lot of new teams and faces."
Maryland will have serious challenges within its own conference. North Carolina and Duke reached the Final Four from the ACC last season and are contenders to go that far again. Meanwhile, Baylor and Louisiana State have advanced deep into the tournament in recent years.
"There are more schools being more serious about excellence in women's basketball," said Maryland Athletic Director Debbie Yow, a former college basketball coach. "There's TV exposure that was not there in earlier years."
Leon Barmore, the former head coach at Louisiana Tech, said the list of national championship contenders is longer than ever, stretching to as many as 20 schools. "There's so many teams that are out there now," said Barmore, who was an assistant when Louisiana Tech won the first NCAA women's basketball title in 1982 and head coach during the Lady Techsters' 1988 championship season. "Now, there's teams that just come out of nowhere, but I think that this is good. This is great for the game to know there's a team sitting out there who can do it where years ago they didn't have a prayer."
While the pool of high school talent in women's basketball is expanding, the competition among colleges for those recruits is intense. Hargrove said a more realistic goal now is consistency.
"I just think a dynasty is going to be really, really difficult," Hargrove said. "As far as a high success level, I definitely think Maryland is on track to continue its winning ways for many years. But it seems to me 'high level' and 'dynasty' are two different things."
But even in a period of relative parity, some say the Terrapins are in position to become an exception. While Barmore said he doesn't expect any more dynasties to emerge, he admitted that Maryland has the tools to make a run.
"They certainly have a lot of things going for them to do it," Barmore said.
He said Yow, a former head basketball coach at Kentucky and Florida, has placed an importance on women's teams at the school. "I think that's huge," Hargrove said. "Having a woman in that position is huge. Women like to see women succeed and their women's sports succeed."
Maryland also looks to have coaching stability, another important ingredient in the formula for dynasty building.
At 36, Frese is acknowledged as one of the more dynamic young coaches in the game. When Frese married Mark Thomas, a native Marylander with deep family ties to the school, Yow said she saw it as a sign that Frese could be in College Park to stay. "I was very excited about that," Yow said about the fifth-year coach.
After winning the title, Yow said women's basketball season ticket sales more than tripled, going from about 2,000 last season to more than 7,000 this year.
Then there's excitement on the court itself, starting with the Terrapins' talented roster. Yow said all those ingredients together could lead to something special.
"We're going to have a great opportunity here to develop a program of sustained excellence and be remembered for it, and have Brenda and those teams be remembered as the individuals who created that," she said.
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With Maryland bringing back all five of its starters from last year's title team and a new crop of top recruits coming in, the question is?can the Terps become a dynasty?
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Adu to Train With Manchester United
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Freddy Adu has been granted permission by D.C. United and MLS to join renowned English club Manchester United for two weeks of offseason training beginning Nov. 18, the first step in what might lead to a permanent move to Europe next year.
"I still don't know the details, but if it happens, it will be exciting," Adu said yesterday.
Adu, 17, is scheduled to join the U.S. under-20 national team in Florida next week, then fly to England to join Manchester United for workouts. Those familiar with the arrangement stressed that it is not a tryout and Adu will return to Washington upon its completion.
"This is something Freddy has wanted to do and we completely support him," United technical director Dave Kasper said of the two-week stay. "It will be a good experience for him."
Sources said the workout was arranged by Adu's representatives at Wasserman Media Group. Dan Segal, who works in the agency's Bethesda office, declined to comment.
Adu, a forward and midfielder, would participate in regular practices and attend some team functions but not play in any official matches.
"We have a good relationship with Manchester United and the opportunity for Freddy to train there made sense for D.C. United, Freddy and the league," MLS deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis said.
It is not uncommon for MLS players to head to England for offseason training -- D.C. goalkeeper Troy Perkins spent time with Bolton and Everton in recent years and midfielder Brian Carroll was with Blackburn last winter -- but Adu is unique because of his age and high profile.
He has been attracting interest from European clubs since he was 12 and has said all along that his dream is to play overseas. Adu, who was born in Ghana and reared in Montgomery County, signed with MLS at age 14.
In three seasons with D.C. United, he has 11 goals and 17 assists in 59 starts. He has also been a regular with U.S. youth national teams and appears on track to play in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid have expressed some degree of interest in him the last two years.
Following D.C. United's season-ending loss to the New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference final on Sunday, Adu said serious talks were under way to facilitate a move to Europe. "I'd like to be back, but my ultimate goal was to go overseas, and if it comes sooner rather than later, I'll take it," he said.
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In what could be the first step toward a permanent move to Europe, Freddy Adu is given permission by D.C. United to train with Manchester United.
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Boeing Wins Deal To Build Helicopters, Beating Lockheed
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The helicopters will replace the Air Force's fleet of HH-60 Pave Hawks, which have been used extensively in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Air Force said it went with the low-risk option, choosing Chicago-based Boeing's adaptation of the CH-47 Chinook, which the military has used for more than 50 years. The decision followed a strategy adopted by the government for at least two other high-profile programs in recent months -- a NASA space-vehicle program and a border-security initiative.
"We are not trying to go put the most elegant grand solution" together, Sue C. Payton, the assistant Air Force secretary for acquisition, said at a briefing. "We are going out with what we can do that will vastly improve what we have today in HH-60 helicopters."
It was a disappointing loss for Bethesda-based Lockheed, which was betting that its surprise win last year over Sikorsky to provide the Marine One helicopters used to ferry the president would give it an edge. Most analysts expected the Air Force competition to be a rematch of that battle. Instead, Boeing, which didn't compete last year, trumped both Lockheed and Sikorsky.
The loss also was a setback to Lockheed's plans to expand into new areas of business as defense budgets become tighter. The company is best known for building fighter jets, missiles and satellites, but teamed with a helicopter maker -- AgustaWestland Inc., a unit of the Italian defense firm Finmeccanica SpA -- hoping to move into new terrain and grab a bigger part of the Pentagon's budget.
During the Marine One competition, critics complained about Lockheed's use of foreign partners, saying that the president should be flown only in an American aircraft. For that competition, Sikorsky dumped some foreign contractors, including companies from Taiwan and Japan, to boost its entry's American content.
Lockheed expressed disappointment with the Air Force's decision in a statement yesterday, as did Sikorsky.
"We thought we had a very strong proposal," Sikorsky spokesman Ed Steadham said.
The initial contract is worth $712 million, but the program's budget is to grow as Boeing begins building the aircraft. The new helicopters will be able to conduct longer missions, hold more people and go faster than those in the current fleet, Air Force officials said. Boeing has also trumpeted the new craft's ability to fly higher and withstand hotter temperatures.
The Air Force said Boeing's helicopters would be ready months before those from its competitors would have been.
The "award is a vote of confidence by the Air Force in the ability of Boeing to provide them the rotorcraft they need for this very important mission," James F. Albaugh, president and chief executive of Boeing's defense division, said in a written statement.
The deciding factor may have been Boeing's experience, Byron Callan, industry analyst for Prudential Equity Group LLC, said in a research note. "The award decision reflects a more conservative risk-avoidance strategy on this particular program," he wrote. Lockheed's and Sikorsky's aircraft had merit "but neither is in current operating service with the U.S. military, whereas the DoD has an extensive inventory and operating experience with the CH-47."
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Washington,DC,Virginia,Maryland business headlines,stock portfolio,markets,economy,mutual funds,personal finance,Dow Jones,S&P 500,NASDAQ quotes,company research tools. Federal Reserve,Bernanke,Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Stage Set for Iraq Policy Shift
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Democratic control of the House and possibly the Senate, combined with the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, has set the stage for a dramatic shift in the Bush administration's policy toward the Iraq war, lawmakers and experts said. The contours of a new policy are not clear, but there is likely to be more pressure on the Iraqi government to rein in sectarian violence and a growing clamor from Democrats to begin a drawdown of U.S. troops.
Rumsfeld is slated to be replaced by Robert M. Gates, a member of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group who has spent recent weeks learning the problems of the administration's current approach. Unlike Rumsfeld, who was widely seen as a roadblock to a shift in strategy, Gates is expected to be much more receptive to implementing the group's recommendations, due to be made public about Dec. 7.
Gates has been frustrated that the administration has been unable to adjust to changing circumstances in Iraq, according to one person who has spoken to him about the administration's management of the war. Gates, he said, believes "you can't be afraid to adjust your action to adjust to the realities on the ground."
Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D-Del.), who would chair the Senate Foreign Relations Committee if Democrats capture the Virginia Senate seat and control of the Senate, said he understood that Gates "has a much more pragmatic and realistic view of the place we find ourselves" in Iraq and is much more willing to work with the uniformed military than Rumsfeld was.
Even before the election, both Democrats and Republicans had been eagerly awaiting the recommendations of the study group, which is headed by former secretary of state James A. Baker III, a Republican, and former Democratic representative Lee Hamilton of Indiana. The group of mainstream foreign policy experts is not poised to make radical suggestions when it unveils its report, but official Washington has expected both parties to seize on its ideas for political cover.
One senior Senate aide said both parties are looking for an exit from Iraq out of "pure political interests." After their devastating losses, Republicans do not want Iraq to be an electoral albatross in 2008; Democrats, meanwhile, do not want it to still be the first order of business if they reoccupy the White House in 2009.
Biden said that a number of Republicans have told him privately that they are willing to push for a change in course on Iraq after the election. "We have a narrow window before 2008 kicks in to get a bipartisan consensus on Iraq," he said.
The administration has long set a goal of a stable, democratic Iraq, suggesting that major troop withdrawals could not be expected until the Iraqi government was capable of sustaining that enterprise itself.
"I'd like our troops to come home, too, but I want them to come home with victory, and that is a country that can govern itself, sustain itself and defend itself," President Bush said yesterday at a news conference. But he added that "Iraq is not working well enough, fast enough."
The Baker-Hamilton study group is not expected to call for pulling out of Iraq quickly. Rather, insiders say, the most likely recommendation will be to curtail the goal of democratizing Iraq and instead emphasize stability. That might entail devoting more resources to training and equipping Iraq's military, perhaps by radically increasing the size of the U.S. training and advisory effort.
Bush, who will meet with the Baker-Hamilton group next week, told reporters he is awaiting its report, mentioning twice more in his news conference that he would "work" with them. In announcing the nomination of Gates, Bush said that "he will provide the department with a fresh perspective and new ideas on how America can achieve our goals in Iraq."
Democrats served notice that they will push for a change in approach, such as beginning a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops soon. "The American people have spoken," said Rep. Nancy Pelosi (Calif.), who is in line to become House speaker in January. "It's important for us to work in a bipartisan way with the president, again, to solve the problem, not to stay the course. That's not working. That's clear."
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Democratic control of the House and possibly the Senate, combined with the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, has set the stage for a dramatic shift in the Bush administration's policy toward the Iraq war, lawmakers and experts said. The contours of a new policy are not clear, but...
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In Letter, Radical Cleric Details CIA Abduction, Egyptian Torture
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MILAN, Nov. 9 -- In an account smuggled out of prison, a radical Muslim cleric has detailed how he was kidnapped by the CIA from this northern Italian city and flown to Cairo, where he was tortured for months with electric shocks and shackled to an iron rack known as "the Bride."
Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, wrote an 11-page letter describing his 2003 abduction at the hands of the CIA and Italian secret service agents. He somehow transferred the document out of Egypt -- where he remains in custody -- and into the hands of Italian prosecutors who are investigating his disappearance.
The Milan public prosecutor's office on Thursday confirmed the authenticity of the letter, the existence of which was first reported by the Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera.
The document has been submitted as evidence to defense attorneys representing 25 CIA officers, a U.S. Air Force officer and nine Italian agents who have been charged with organizing the kidnapping of Nasr, an Egyptian national, in February 2003.
A copy of the document, handwritten in Arabic, was obtained by The Washington Post. Undated, it reads like a homemade legal affidavit, outlining how Nasr was seized as he was walking to a mosque in Milan, stuffed into a van and rushed to Egypt in a covert operation involving spies from three countries.
"I didn't understand anything about what was going on," Nasr wrote. "They began to punch me in the stomach and all over my body. They wrapped my entire head and face with wide tape, and cut holes over my nose and face so I could breathe."
Upon his arrival in Egypt hours later, he said, he was taken into a room by an Egyptian security official who told him that "two pashas" wanted to speak with him.
"Only one spoke, an Egyptian," he recalled. "And all he said was, 'Do you want to collaborate with us?' " Nasr said the other "pasha" appeared to be an American. His captors offered a deal: They would allow him to return to Italy if he agreed to become an informant. Nasr said he refused. As a result, he said, he was interrogated and physically abused for the next 14 months in two Cairo prisons.
Italian prosecutors charge that the CIA and the Italian military intelligence agency known as Sismi collaborated to kidnap Nasr, who was known for preaching radical sermons in Milan and railing against U.S. policies in Afghanistan and the Middle East. According to prosecutors, the abduction thwarted a separate Italian police investigation into Nasr's activities and jeopardized a surveillance operation concerning other radicals in Milan.
Court papers allege that the kidnapping was orchestrated by the CIA's station chief in Rome and involved at least two dozen CIA operatives, most of whom arrived in Italy months before to lay the groundwork. Italian judges have issued arrest warrants for the CIA officers and have pledged to try them in absentia if necessary.
Although the case has caused a furor in Italy, the U.S. government has neither confirmed nor denied playing a role in Nasr's disappearance. Egyptian officials have also remained silent. A CIA spokesman declined to comment for this story.
Nasr's wife and his lawyer in Cairo have said the cleric is still imprisoned in Egypt, although he has been released under house arrest for brief periods. It is unclear how Italian prosecutors received a copy of his letter. Investigators said handwriting experts have verified that Nasr was the author.
Prosecutors in Milan are also investigating allegations that Italian spies offered to give Nasr $2.5 million if he would sign papers saying he had left Italy voluntarily and was not kidnapped, according to Italian news reports.
The imam of a Milan mosque where Nasr preached on occasion said he also recognized the handwriting as the Egyptian's. "This is his writing, I know it for sure," said the imam, Arman Ahmed al-Hissini, who is known locally as Abu Imad and runs the Viale Jenner mosque, a few blocks from where Nasr was kidnapped.
Abdel Hamid Shaari, president of the Islamic Cultural Center in Milan, said he was worried that the public disclosure of Nasr's letter could jeopardize his life, or at least dash any chances that he might be released. "What are they going to do with him now?" Shaari said. "He's a problem for the Italians, the Egyptians and the Americans."
In his letter, Nasr described how his health had badly deteriorated. He had lost hearing in one ear from repeated beatings, he said, and his formerly pitch-black hair had turned all white. He said he was kept in a cell with no toilet and no lights, where "roaches and rats walked across my body."
He also gave a graphic account of Egyptian interrogation practices, including how he would be strapped to an iron rack nicknamed "the Bride" and zapped with electric stun guns.
On other occasions, he wrote, he was tied to a wet mattress on the floor. While one interrogator sat on a wooden chair perched on the prisoner's shoulders, another interrogator would flip a switch, sending jolts of electricity into the mattress coils.
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World news headlines from the Washington Post,including international news and opinion from Africa,North/South America,Asia,Europe and Middle East. Features include world weather,news in Spanish,interactive maps,daily Yomiuri and Iraq coverage.
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Arenas's Points Score Big With Area Schools
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The dollars are adding up already for area schools selected by Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas and team owners Abe and Irene Pollin to receive $100 for every point the two-time All-Star scores this season.
Arenas chose 41 schools last week, one for each home game this season, as part of his Gilbert Scores for Schools program. Impressed by the gesture of the young player, the Wizards owners matched the offer and chose another 41 schools for the away games.
Tyler Elementary School in Southeast was first on the list and is slated to receive $700 for Arenas's performance in the season opener Nov. 1 at Cleveland.
Arenas, the fourth-leading scorer in the league last year (29.5 points per game), struggled to find his shot early in the game and did not score until the final minutes of the third quarter. He finished with seven points as the Wizards lost to the Cavaliers 97-94.
Tyler Principal Michelle Pierre-Farid, unaware her school had been selected, said she did not watch the game but was pleasantly surprised to learn the school will receive a $700 donation.
"We can at least get one more laptop," Pierre-Farid said. "We have two, and we're trying to get to 20."
Arenas found his rhythm in Saturday's home opener, scoring 44 points against the Boston Celtics in a 124-117 Wizards victory. He will make a $4,400 donation to Neelsville Middle School in Montgomery County.
Neelsville Principal Dollye McClain said she screamed when she got the news. McClain said a portion of the money will be used to start a drumline in the school's music program.
"I truly appreciate what he's done for our school," McClain said.
Twenty-nine of the 82 schools selected for the program are in the District, 19 are in Montgomery County, 15 in Prince George's County, 8 in Arlington County, 6 in Alexandria, 4 in Fairfax County and 1 in Howard County.
"I have a chance to actually give back in this life," Arenas said. "When my career is over, I want people to remember me for what I did off the court as well as what I did on the court."
Arenas entered the NBA as a second-round draft pick in 2001. He is in the fourth year of a six-year, $65 million contract signed in August 2003 as a restricted free agent to join the Wizards. He is expected to gross more than $11 million from his NBA salary this season.
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The dollars are adding up already for area schools selected by Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas and team owners Abe and Irene Pollin to receive $100 for every point the two-time All-Star scores this season.
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Minn. Lawmaker 1st Muslim in Congress
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MINNEAPOLIS -- Keith Ellison never ran on his religion -- or away from it. Ellison, a state lawmaker and lawyer, has become the first Muslim elected to Congress, and the first nonwhite elected to Congress from Minnesota.
On the campaign trail, Ellison, 43, talked little about his religious background, focusing instead on his call for an immediate U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and his support for single-payer health care. He broke from more conservative Muslims by favoring gay rights and abortion rights.
Ellison said his campaign united labor, minority communities and peace activists. "We were able to bring in Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists," he said. "We brought in everybody."
Hayat Hassan, 30, a single mother and a Muslim, said she voted for Ellison because of his positions on health care and education.
"I didn't even know he was a Muslim until one of his campaign workers told me," she said.
The seat was thrown open when longtime Rep. Martin Sabo said he would retire after 28 years. On Tuesday, Ellison beat Republican Alan Fine and the Independence Party's Tammy Lee.
Mahdi Bray, executive director of the Muslim American Society, compared Ellison's victory to Edward Brooke's election in 1966 as the first black senator since Reconstruction.
Ellison's campaign had to deal with reports of overdue parking tickets, late campaign finance reports and unpaid taxes. He also faced questions about anti-Semitism because of past ties with the Nation of Islam, a black Muslim group led by the confrontational Louis Farrakhan.
Ellison, a criminal defense attorney who converted to Islam as a college student, denounced Farrakhan and won the endorsement of a Minneapolis Jewish newspaper.
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MINNEAPOLIS -- Keith Ellison never ran on his religion?-- or away from it. Ellison, a state lawmaker and lawyer, has become the first Muslim elected to Congress, and the first nonwhite elected to Congress from Minnesota.
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L.A.'s Buffed-Up Observatory: The Sequel Outshines the Original
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As work crews hurried to put the finishing touches on the Griffith Observatory a couple of weeks ago, Joseph Wise emerged from a trail nearby with a relaxed smile. The actor, who lives nearby, comes to Griffith Park in Los Angeles a few times a week to hike the trails and connect with nature. He has seen deer, coyotes, red-tailed hawks, gopher snakes and opossums on his expeditions.
"It keeps me sane," Wise said as he unlaced his sneakers and looked up at the surrounding chaparral-covered hillsides.
For Griffith Park regulars like Wise, perhaps the most remarkable feature of the spiffed-up observatory -- which reopened to the public Friday after a five-year, $93 million renovation -- is that the place looks pretty much the same as it did when it opened in 1935. Just a lot shinier.
The 250-pound Foucault pendulum still swings from the front rotunda, but the pit beneath it isn't cracked and stained anymore.
The original Zeiss telescope, which has had more viewers (7 million) than the population of Maryland, remains in the observatory's rooftop dome, but now it sends a live video feed of the universe to the main hall for those who can't or won't climb up to the roof. And the renamed Samuel Oschin Planetarium still features one of the most accurate star vaults in the world, but its creaky metal-backed seats have been replaced by comfortable recliners. (The popular light-and-sound Laserium shows, which played to Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon," however, didn't make the cut.)
Outside, the 40-foot-high Astronomers Monument featuring Copernicus, Hipparchus, Galileo, Kepler, Newton and Herschel is as awesome as ever on the front lawn. So is the bust of James Dean commemorating the actor's nearby knife fight in "Rebel Without a Cause" -- though it has been repositioned closer to the "Hollywood" sign to create a better photo opportunity.
The observatory's main goal remains "putting people eyeball to telescope," says Edwin Krupp, its director. "Part of the fundamental master plan was to adapt the observatory to take on a richer menu of activities, while keeping what is essential and satisfying and well-loved about it."
Perched high above Hollywood at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Griffith Observatory anchors the south-central side of Griffith Park, which is also home to the Los Angeles Zoo, the outdoor Greek Theatre, four golf courses and 53 miles of hiking trails. About twice the size of Rock Creek Park, Griffith Park opened in 1896 after Col. Griffith J. Griffith, a wealthy mining speculator of questionable character (he would be convicted of shooting his wife in 1903), donated the land to the city of Los Angeles.
The observatory came 39 years later, after a post-prison trip to the Mount Wilson Observatory high in the San Gabriel Mountains inspired Griffith to give the city $100,000 to bring the universe to the masses.
In a slight tweak to Griffith's vision, entry to the observatory is still free, but it requires a timed reservation and visitors who don't hike or ride a bicycle up to the facility must take a shuttle bus from one of two satellite parking sites at a cost of $8 per adult. (Officials say this is a temporary arrangement to avoid the traffic jams that initial crowds would otherwise be expected to cause.)
The biggest changes to the observatory are beneath the surface of the original building. The renovation, which began in early 2002, more than doubled its size and took nearly twice as long as planned. Work crews excavated the entire hillside under the front lawn to add a new level that includes 60 exhibits on tides, seasons, phases of the moon and other astronomical themes -- all flanked by a stunning 20-by-152-foot photo mural of a million stars and galaxies.
Next to a row of scale models of the planets is a 200-seat theater, named after actor and donor Leonard Nimoy; an 18-minute documentary on the observatory's 71-year history shows on the half-hour. On the west side of the building, those who remember the sorry-looking hot dogs at the parking lot's snack bar will be happy to learn that Wolfgang Puck is overseeing a new terrace cafe with the kinds of views that typically only the Spielbergs and Schwarzeneggers can afford.
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Find Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland travel information, including web fares, Washington DC tours, beach/ski guide, international and United States destinations. Featuring Mid-Atlantic travel, airport information, traffic/weather updates
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What's the Deal?
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· Mammoth Mountain, a California ski resort opening Nov. 9, has a "First Tracks" promotion for stays through Dec. 14 (Nov. 22-25 blackout dates). Stay two or more nights starting at $99 per person double including lodging and lift tickets. Priced separately, a room at the Mammoth Inn, for example, would cost about $155 a night, and the lift tickets $63 per day per person. That's a savings of about $83 per night per couple. Taxes are an extra 12 percent. Info: 800-626-6684, http://www.mammothmountain.com/ .
· Green Turtle Club on Green Turtle Kay off the island of Abaco in the Bahamas has a $99 room rate for stays through Nov. 20 or Nov. 26-30 (usual room rate starts at $180). Or pay the $180-per-night rack rate and receive $180 each day toward food and beverages for stays through Dec. 25 (Nov. 18-26 blackout). Taxes and resort fees are 17 percent extra. Info: 866-528-0539, http://www.greenturtleclub.com/ .
· HotelConXions has reduced room rates for several Manhattan hotels. For example, the rate at the St. James Hotel on West 45th Street starts at $109 (usual rate is $155) Jan. 1-Feb. 28, and the rate at the Ameritania Hotel on West 54th Street is $115 (usually $179) Jan. 1-31. Taxes are about 13.4 percent, plus $3.50 per night. Book at 800-522-9991 or http://www.hotelconxions.com/ .
· A five-night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas departing Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 9 is sale priced starting at $269 per person plus $99 taxes. Brochure rate on the Western Caribbean cruise starts at $400 plus taxes. Info: 866-562-7625, http://www.rccl.com/ .
· Discovery World Cruises has two-for-one cruise fares, free airfare and two hotel nights in London on its 14-night transatlantic cruise from Nassau, the Bahamas, to Harwich, England, departing May 2. Price starts at $4,995 for the first passenger; second passenger pays $195 port charges. Each passenger pays air taxes, fees and fuel charges of $375 per person. Info: 866-623-2689, http://www.discoveryworldcruises.com/ .
· Take a last-minute cruise of the Galapagos Islands with a deal from Ocean Adventures of Ecuador. First guest on the seven-day cruise aboard the Eclipse departing Nov. 18 pays $3,300 for a deluxe cabin, and companion pays $1,650. For the Dec. 9 departure, first passenger is $2,950 and companion is $1,475. National park fees are an extra $100 per person. Details: 877-262-3496, http://www.oceanadventures.com.ec/ .
· ATA has sale fares from Reagan National to Chicago, Dallas and Jackson, Miss. The round-trip fare to Jackson, for example, is $166 (plus about $51 taxes); fare on other airlines starts at $242. Purchase at http://www.ata.com/ by Nov. 6. Sale applies to travel through Feb. 15, but holiday blackout dates apply. Cheapest seats for Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday travel; three-day advance purchase required.
· AirTran has a systemwide sale. For example, fly round-trip from BWI to Boston for $88 (plus about $21 taxes); fare on other airlines starts at about $123. One-way fares from BWI range from $44 to $149; from Reagan National and Dulles, fares range from $79 to $149. Buy by Nov. 9, and fly through March 1. Ten-day advance required; lowest fares for Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday travel. Holiday blackout dates apply. Buy at http://www.airtran.com/ , or pay $5 more by calling 800-247-8726.
· British Airways has a three-night "Spirit of London" package that includes round-trip air from Washington to London, lodging at the Royal Eagle Hotel, breakfasts, afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason, ice skating at the Natural History Museum ice rink and a voucher to shop at Harrods. Price starts at $622 per person double, plus about $155 taxes; priced separately, air and hotel would cost about $761, and the ice skating, tea and shopping voucher about $97, for a savings of about $162 per couple. Book by Dec. 22 and travel by Jan. 17. Blackout dates are Dec. 19-25; $30 surcharge for Thursday-Saturday travel. Info: 877-428-2228, http://www.britishairways.com/ .
· A six-night "Taste of Italy" tour from Go-today.com with round-trip airfare from Washington Dulles to Rome, returning from Venice; two nights at the Hotel Seiler in Rome; rail from Rome to Florence; two nights at the Bellettini Hotel in Florence; rail from Florence to Venice; and two nights at the Hotel Canal in Venice. The package is $1,925 per couple Dec. 1-14 and Jan. 4-Feb. 3. Priced separately, the package would cost about $1,136 per person, for a savings of about $347 per couple. Info: 800-227-3235, http://www.go-today.com/ .
Prices were verified and available on Thursday afternoon when the Travel section went to press. However, deals sell out quickly and are not guaranteed to be available. Restrictions such as day of travel, blackout dates and advance-purchase requirements sometimes apply.
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Themed trips like a "Taste of Italy," "Spirit of London" and "First Tracks" keep the mind wandering on several fun excursion packages.
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Beltway and Beyond - washingtonpost.com
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Washington Post Metro Political Editor Robert Barnes was online Wednesday, November 8, at Noon ET to provide analysis of Washington area races, from the beltway and beyond.
Submit your questions and comments before or during the discussion.
Analysis from today: Democratic Voters in Washington Suburbs Solidify Their Power in Md., Va. Elections
Barnes became metropolitan editor in 1997. Prior to becoming the metropolitan editor, he was political editor for five years. He has also covered the Maryland General Assembly and the first Schaefer administration.
Robert Barnes: Good day! Everyone awake? It was a late night around here, but things coming into focus this morning. Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich has conceded this morning, calling Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley and then meeting briefly with the press. Lt. Gov. Michael Steele has a news conference scheduled for 12:30. And Virginia Sen. George Allen vowed to fight on, his deficit now about 7,000 votes. Let's talk about what happened yesterday.
The media largely fell in love with Michael Steele's campaign, and why I never understood. He ran slick ads that said next to nothing, practically tried to hide the fact that he was a Republican, and finished the campaign by blatantly pandering to black voters (in a late TV appearance, the only endorsements he mentioned were from blacks). Given that he still lost by 10 points to a rather bland guy in Ben Cardin, isn't it time to re-evaluate that campaign?
Robert Barnes: I think you have to separate the pundits and columnists, who clearly did love the Steele campaign, from the reporters who have covered Steele as Lt. governor and who covered his campaign. I think you'll find stories from the very beginning of his campaign that said Steele was more conservative than the state he sought to represent, and that was going to be a problem for him.
As for his strategy, I'm not sure what would have been a better one. The truth is that Republicans carried a very heavy burden in Maryland this year, because of the war and the President's popularity. Among the evidence: Ehrlich did worse in Montgomery and Prince George's than four years ago; Democrats picked up seats in the General Assembly and two longtime Republican moderates in Montgomery County, council member Howard Denis and Del. Jean Cryor, were swept from office.
Jeez. Can the Post look any more partisan?
Could you have made the headline "Democrats win the House!" any bigger?
I guess your page designers just couldn't suppress their glee, eh?
Robert Barnes: That doesn't seem like a terribly partisan headline to me. I remember some pretty big headlines in 1994, when Republicans captured the House.
Vienna, Va.: How much credit or blame should the Post get for bringing down George Allen?
I know what you're going to say - that Allen made mistakes and brought it on himself.
Please. Your paper served as an echo chamber for the Democrats on the macaca gaffe, writing endlessly about it for days and days. Then you did the same thing about the Jewish issue and the N-word accusations.
Can you honestly say that your paper didn't help get James Webb elected?
Robert Barnes: I think the Post's coverage of Allen was tough, but I also think that's the kind of scrutiny a senator running for reelection should receive. As I've written before, I think Allen received the kind of attention he did--from the Post, from other Virginia media and from the national media--because he had set himself up as a candidate for president; I believe he and Hillary Clinton were the only such candidates running for reelection this year, and she certainly has received plenty of attention from the media.
But I am well aware that folks think the Post was too tough on Allen.
Springfield, VA: If the maps used in the Post article "Area's Exurbs Watched For Further Party Shifts" are accurate, it would seem that the growing Democratic areas in Northern Virginia are also some of the highest income areas in Virginia. Is Northern Virginia becoming more like California where wealthy, well-educated liberal Democrats who are not in touch with the normal working class are calling the shots, or is this Democratic base still fairly moderate in its views?
washingtonpost.com: Area's Exurbs Watched For Further Party Shifts
Robert Barnes: That's a good question. You're absolutely right that the areas in Northern Virginia that have been voting Democratic are some of the wealthiest in the state. But I don't think anyone is ready to say those folks are Democrats, just that they are open to a Democratic message that is pragmatic. I think those voters are mostly moderate, especially in the fastest growing areas on the edges of the suburbs. For instance, Virginia Sen. John Warner remains very popular there, and you saw last night that even as Allen lost Prince William, the county elected a Republican as chair of the board of supervisors.
McLean, Va.: Will Allen call for a recount or will he concede?
Robert Barnes: Allen has not conceded. The vote margin right now is about 7,000, with three precincts out. That is about three-tenths of one percent. Virginia law calls for a recount if it is less than a half of a percent, and the loser can ask for recount if it is 1 percent or less. My feeling is this is going to take a while unless Republicans feel there is little to challenge. You'll remember that Virginia had a recount just last year in the attorney general's race, and the judiciary was very specific about what could be considered and not considered.
We will have much on this in tomorrow's paper.
You want a partisan headline: Check out the Richmond Times Dispatch's Web page:"Webb Clings to Lead" tries to make him sound desperate (clinging is a desperate verb). When, in fact, his lead is increasing with every hour!
Robert Barnes: Here's from another designer:
re 'partisan' headline: I thought the size of the headline font indicated newsworthiness, not support. IE: "Japan bombs Pearl harbor" in really humongous letters...
Robert Barnes: On to another subject....
Baltimore: It looks like Maryland voters decapitated the state's Republican party on election day and may have put an unexpected end to their grand plans to make Maryland a two-party state. I don't see any elected GOP officials in the wings to take over from Ehrlich and Steele as party leaders. Will it take another decade or two before the GOP can field a credible candidate for statewide office?
Robert Barnes: You are right about this being a big setback for Republicans in Maryland. Neither of the two Republican congressmen show an inclination to lead the party, and last night there were losses in the General Assembly as well. It will be interesting to see how Ehrlich and Steele rebound from these losses and how they see their political futures. But keep in mind that political climates can change quickly. Covering Tim Kaine's campaign for governor in Virginia last year, I had to keep reminding myself that President Bush had scored a resounding reelection victory there only 12 months earlier.
Robert Barnes: This just in, courtesy of my colleague Matt Mosk:
Ehrlich came out to the front steps of the governor's mansion, stood in the light for just over two minutes, and conceded the race to O'Malley.
"I've had the ride of my life," Ehrlich said, as First Lady Kendel Ehrlich stood at his side with toddler Joshua in her arms. "I've tried to conduct myself with dignity and a little bit of a sense of humor. And we obviously tried to push the state forward."
"It's been an incredible run for the last 20 years for me," Ehrlich said of his time in the state legislature, congress, and four years as Maryland's 60th governor.
And I'm told that Steele called Cardin at noon to concede.
Alexandria: Did Webb get his apparent lead just with a huge margin in Northern Virginia or did he also win any other section of Virginia?
Robert Barnes: Webb appears to have won all three congressional districts in Northern Virginia, and the Tidewater congressional district represented by Bobby Scott. Allen won the other seven districts
D.C.: Is there a significant numbers of absentee ballots, or ballots from overseas military personnel, yet to be counted in the Virginia Senate race?
Robert Barnes: The military personnel ballots were mentioned this morning at the Allen news conference. Most of the other absentee ballots have been counted and are included in the latest totals, which show Webb about 7,000 votes ahead.
Jim in Arlington: Regarding Vienna's comments on the Post's "bringing Allen down:" I was in Maine when he made the comment, and it was big news for several days in local papers there, Associated Press stories, not the Washington Post. Even people who were confused about "macaca" understood exactly what Allen meant when he added "Welcome to America." Then characterizing the question on his Jewish heritage as casting "aspersions" on his mom, then the ham sandwich comment, etc. He brought himself down. Wouldn't it be wiser for him now to gracefully concede? Since he won't reverse 7000 votes absent a huge irregularity, what does he have to gain by prolonging the inevitable?
Robert Barnes: If I'd spent most of my life in politics and was now trailing by less than half a percent, I think I would want to take a while to think about it, don't you? But I have talked with folks who think it will be hard to make up the difference, and I'm sure that will factor into Allen's decision.
Falls Church, Va.: Can you explain how Virginia's recount rules work, and whether an 8,000 vote lead for Webb could possibly evaporate in a recount? Also, do you suspect Virginia 2006 will be like Florida 2000, with each party playing dirty tricks and making accusations of fraud? Do you see Allen's lawyers targeting minority precincts for allegations of fraud in an attempt to cast doubt on those heavily Democratic areas?
Robert Barnes: Well, you're asking all the right questions, but I'm not sure I can answer them. There is a difference, I believe, between the normal canvass work that goes on after an election--where each county looks for obvious mistakes in their totals--and an official recount. In other words, those totals could change throughout the day. I'll add this, from colleague Michael Shear's story online:
Under Virginia law, a margin of less than a half-percent can trigger a recount which the state pays for. A losing candidate can also request -- and pay for -- a recount if the margin is less than 1 percent. As of early Wednesday, the state-financed recount seemed all but certain.
A recount would not officially start until the state board of elections certifies the election-day results, which is scheduled to happen on the fourth Monday in November. Results of a recount may not come until December.
As far as specific allegations, there were none at the Allen news conference this morning, although there was mention of some malfunctioning machines in some locations.
Rockville, Md.: Does Senator Allen's opposition to a recount with Bush/Gore in Florida 6 years ago have any relevance now in your mind?
Robert Barnes: I guess that is something to go look up, isn't it? I don't really remember Allen's role.
Reston, Va.: Just a comment: I think what really brought down George Allen (and drove the Post coverage) was that the "macaca" incident was on YouTube and everywhere else on the Internet, and people could see it for themselves. I think if Allen did that 6 years ago and there was no video, (and who knows maybe he did?), there maybe have been a small article buried in the paper and nothing would have happened. But because that (and the incident last week) was available to everyone, it had much more impact.
Robert Barnes: I agree that the video had a huge impact on the campaign, and that the Internet played a role in this race unlike any I've ever seen.
Silver Spring: What was the reasoning behind Steele waiting so long to concede?
Robert Barnes: I think part of it was that results were so terribly slow in coming last night. I was here until 3 am and there were still many missing precincts. It seems that the more the voting process is "improved" the slower it is in giving up the results. I also noticed that the victors no longer feel that manners dictates waiting for the concession call: Cardin, Webb and O'Malley all claimed victory last night anyway.
Rockville, Md.: When would you expect the Post to call the Virginia and Montana races?
Robert Barnes: Um, don't skip lunch waiting.
I don't get what the rush is all about. I have heard some Republican blogs saying that he shouldn't look like the sore loser that Gore was in 2000 and hurt our democracy. Part of our democracy are rules governing how to make sure the votes are counted properly. Seems to me that we should wait and see what the voters of Virginia decided (even if, like me, you hope that it tips the balance of the Senate to the Democrats).
Robert Barnes: Thanks for that opinion
Los Angeles: Does Allen even have the option to concede? If Webb's lead is less than .5 percent, which it is, does Virginia's law require a recount no matter what?
Robert Barnes: You raise a good point. The law would seem to call for a recount, but I'm not sure that the loser couldn't waive the right. That's one of the things we'll need to find out. Y'all should be editors.
Baltimore: Why were the polls leading up to the election on the Maryland Governor race, in particular, so wrong? How was the Post able to predict black voter turnout more accurately than the Baltimore Sun?
Robert Barnes: The Post poll didn't predict black turnout--or the election results, I might add. It asked respondents a series of questions--how interested they were in the election, how sure they were to vote, how enthusiastic about their candidate, etc--and compiled a list of "likely voters." It turned out that 25 percent of those likely voters were black. At least last night, that seemed close to what the exit polls estimated, but we'll be looking more closely at those numbers.
But just allow me a shout-out for the Post's new polling director, Jon Cohen, who has handled all manner of questions about his work--some not so friendly--graciously and professionally.
Adams Morgan: Rumsfeld steps down !!!
Robert Barnes: Just look at all the breaking news we've been able to bring you today!
Rockville, Md.: How does the Post make its decision to call a winner. I notice that at 12:20 p.m. the Post is reporting that the Democrat in the Montana Senate race is up by 3,000 votes with 100 percent of the precincts counted. Surely if 100 percent of the precincts have been tallied it's time to call the election.
When would you expect the Post to call the last two Senate races?
Robert Barnes: Well, you never know if absentee ballots are included in those totals, or how many are there, or whether that small a margin triggers an automatic recount.
The Post makes its decisions based on many factors, but it all comes down to the Big Guy--executive editor Len Downie.
Alexandria: My thanks to Los Angeles for caring about our election!
Robert Barnes: You're going to find a lot more people caring about you, Alexandria, if the Old Dominion decides control of the U.S. Senate. And by the way, that has to be another factor in Allen's decision-making.
Robert Barnes: Hey, that's it for today, folks. I really enjoy these chats and appreciate your interest. washingtonpost.com will have plenty of other opportunities for you today and tomorrow's Post will be a politics extravaganza. Take care
Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.
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Washington Post Metro Political Editor Robert Barnes will be online?Wednesday at?Noon ET to provide election analysis of D.C. area races.
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Bush Ousts Embattled Rumsfeld; Democrats Near Control of Senate
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President Bush emerged from an election in which his party took what he described as a "thumping" and ousted Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld yesterday, saying that a "fresh perspective" is needed to guide the military through the difficult war in Iraq.
Speaking at a White House news conference the day after Democrats took control of the House of Representatives, and possibly the Senate, an apparently chastened and conciliatory Bush said he was nominating former CIA director Robert M. Gates to replace the long-embattled Rumsfeld.
VIDEO | President Bush announces the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in a White House news conference on Wednesday. Rumsfeld will be replaced by former CIA chief Robert Gates.
After six years of a presidency that has been about drawing lines against the Democrats and taunting them as weak, Bush presented a sharp about-face in an appearance in the White House East Room. "What's changed today is the election is over," he said, "and the Democrats won."
Acknowledging that the elections amounted to a rebuke of Republican leadership, Bush said voters had signaled they wanted cooperation and problem-solving in Washington.
If anything, he seemed to greet defeat with an air of relief, as though the results had allowed him to abandon an all-is-well pretense that was increasingly at odds with his actual political circumstances.
He said that he had begun to contemplate Rumsfeld's exit before the election -- even while he was publicly vowing that he would keep the defense secretary through the end of his term and insisting that polls forecasting Republican defeat were wrong. "I thought we were going to do fine yesterday," Bush insisted. "Shows what I know." But "win or lose, Bob Gates was going to become the nominee."
Rumsfeld understood as well as he did, Bush said, that "Iraq is not working well enough, fast enough."
The defense secretary's removal was part of a broader White House effort to restructure Bush's presidency in the wake of the Democratic victory. Beyond the switch at the Pentagon, White House aides in recent weeks developed an agenda designed to attract bipartisan support, including an increase in the minimum wage -- a longtime Democratic priority -- as well as comprehensive immigration legislation, energy measures, and the extension of the No Child Left Behind education program.
"The message yesterday was clear," Bush said. "The American people want their leaders in Washington to set aside partisan differences, conduct ourselves in an ethical manner, and work together to address the challenges facing our nation."
Despite the sharp confrontation that has characterized his tenure, Bush "will make the best of the situation he finds," predicted Ari Fleischer, his former press secretary. "If that means he'll compromise, he'll do so. The question is, will the Republican base let him? And will the Democratic base let Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid compromise?"
Some senior voices from the Republican base already are urging Bush to forget cooperation. "I guess you're supposed to say that, regardless of whether you're actually planning on doing it. I hope he doesn't really mean it," said Grover G. Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. Instead, he said, Bush should use the next two years to define differences between the parties heading into the 2008 election.
Although the White House had insisted repeatedly that it was not making contingency plans for a Democratic victory, an official said yesterday that Chief of Staff Joshua B. Bolten assigned deputies Karl Rove and Joel D. Kaplan, national security adviser Stephen J. Hadley, counselor Dan Bartlett, and other aides to begin "quietly preparing in case this eventuality came," the official said.
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President Bush emerged from an election in which his party took what he described as a "thumping" and ousted Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld yesterday, saying that a "fresh perspective" is needed to guide the military through the difficult war in Iraq.
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Rumsfeld Resigns
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President Bush today announced he is replacing Donald H. Rumsfeld as secretary of defense, saying a "fresh perspective" is needed at the Pentagon to deal with the war in Iraq.
In a White House news conference a day after midterm elections delivered the House of Representatives, and possibly the Senate, to Democratic Party control , Bush said he has chosen former CIA director Robert Gates to succeed Rumsfeld.
National and Homeland Security Columnist and Blogger Early Warning William M. Arkin was online Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m. ET to discuss the change in the Bush adminstration.
Arkin contends that the change is a repudiation of stay the course and of the secretary's role. "It is as strong of a statement of contrition as is possible in Washington," said Arkin in an interview with washingtonpost.com.
Submit your questions and comments before or during the discussion.
Alabama: Where does Rumsfeld's resignation leave Cheney? The two were the key architects of the Iraq policy -- does the Secretary's departure hurt the vice president in any way?
William M. Arkin: Hello all. Ding dong, the witch is dead.
Okay, serious stuff. I see this as a major rejection of Cheney. Not only because he is Mr. Stay the Course but because he is the other half of the cabal.
What is more, Gates is a Bush 1/Scowcroft guy, not a Cheney guy.
Anonymous: Simple question. If Bush would have done this two or three weeks ago, would this have saved yesterdays "thumpin" as Bush so put. Apparently, this was in the works much more than seeing the results this morning. The election may have made them pull the trigger, but the thought appears to have been there.
William M. Arkin: I do think that doing "it" two or three weeks ago would have been to patently obvious.
Also, I'm not so sure that prior to the election, they thought that it was going to be so bad. So I believe that the President and Rumsfeld spoke yesterday.
I also know that Gates has been on the administration's radar screen for awhile. He was their original choice to be the Director of National Intelligence but turned down the administration.
Portland, Ore.: So is Rumsfeld now the official scapegoat for the failures in Iraq?
Isn't the whole name-of-the-game for his successor to figure out how to withdraw U.S. forces as quickly as possible?
Can U.S. forces be out of Iraq before President Bush leaves office?
William M. Arkin: Rumsfeld is the scapegoat. But he is also the goat, the guy who has come to symbolize the failure. That is more important.
Though you have to agree that the announcement at 1:00 PM was brilliant PR and subject changer. Now the Democratic train has to take a little detour. And they can't just call for Rumsfeld's firing as their "solution."
My prediction: U.S. forces out of Iraq by the 2008 election. Well not exactly out, but well on their way out.
Alexandria, Va.: Would we be talking about Rumsfeld's resignation today if the GOP had kept control of the House/Senate?
New York, N.Y.: Can this be seen as a way to protect Rumsfeld from being accused of war crimes?
William M. Arkin: Come on...
Wake up. This is our problem, not their problem anymore.
Bangalore, India: Is Rumsfeld's resignation already the biggest concession by Bush on the war front? How pliable will Bush be to taking directions from the House/Senate if change of policy is far more than Bush is willing to digest?
William M. Arkin: Presidents don't take direction from Congress.
Clearly if the Democrats maintain party discipline, it will be a difficult two years.
But I found Bush in his press conference today to be relaxed. Clearly a great weight has been lifted from his shoulders. And now, he has the Democrats as partners in finding a solution. That changes everything.
Los Angeles, Calif.: What is the most likely change in strategy regarding the Iraq war that we will see from the change in leadership at the Pentagon?
William M. Arkin: I'm not sure we can say that there will be a change in strategy because I'm not sure it is about strategy, or has been for some time. That is, if you mean by strategy, military strategy.
But I do think that the best military minds will have an opportunity to speak up as they haven't under Rumsfeld the control freak. Maybe someone will have a good plan. I haven't heard it yet.
Fairfax, Va.: What should be the first step that the new Secretary and Congress take to figure out an exit strategy from Iraq?
William M. Arkin: They have to agree on an approach.
I would say a timetable, even a loose one, is the way to go. What happens during the drawdown then can influence the question of whether some number of U.S. forces stay as counter-terrorist fighters or as "advisers." I just don't think that the Democrats will now demand immediate withdrawal or complete withdrawal.
It will be interesting to see though as the forces are drawn down, whether it makes a difference in terms of the casualties and the level of violence. If it does, great. If not, the American people I imagine will feel cheated and a bit deceived, that is, that neither side is willing to really make a different move.
This was a much needed move that needed to be done months if not years ago. However, why now? Was this decision made to:
A. Avoid the inevitable investigation and/or protest by the democrats?
B. Protect the George W. Bush legacy?
C. Appease the American voters, who are obviously dissatisfied with the war?
William M. Arkin: The firing was about the election, pure and simple. The American people has spoken.
But it is also a political move to force the Democrats into a partnership with the administration: Okay, we've gotten rid of the bad guy, now what do you want us to do?
Great Falls, Va.: Sally Quinn, if I recall correctly, recently wrote in a Post Op-Ed that Rumsfeld's main value was as a scapegoat, protecting President Bush by absorbing criticism for a poorly thought out Iraq policy. Will Rumsfeld's departure open the president to more personally pointed comments?
washingtonpost,.com: Rummy's Other Role ( Post, Oct. 19 )
William M. Arkin: Well, it is true, particularly if you read Woodward's book, that Rumsfeld now comes in for most of the criticism. And some of the architects of the original war (e.g, Wolfowitz) have already left the sinking ship.
But at this point given that the President is a lame duck, I imagine that the Democrats will back off the partisan sniping and focus on "responsible" governance. After all, they are also after the bigger prize of 2008.
Newport News, Va.: Do you anticipate any other big moves at the top of the Administration's hierarchy?
William M. Arkin: I think Negroponte is probably on his way out, and the number two at the State Department has to be decided. Hadley is weak but I don't see him being replaced.
The Baker Commission might also suggest some changes, which the administration will be obligated to follow.
Maryland: For a "fresh perspective," how about reduction of some of the bureaucracy, such as taking facets of the Department of Homeland Security and disperse them to other agencies, giving the Justice Department (i.e., the FBI and others) authority, as well as the Pentagon (since U.S. Northern Command is part of the Pentagon), etc., responsibility for "homeland" security.
William M. Arkin: This will have to wait for the next administration. Iraq, for now, stops everything, including a logical war against terrorism and a proper conception of our responses to North Korea and Iran.
When it is all over, we'll have to ask whether we have the right institutions or whether we've just had unhelpful growth in the national security sector since 9/11. I think we'll decide it is the latter.
What is more, when we REALLY commit ourselves to "fighting" the war against terror with non-military instruments, maybe we'll come to grips with the fact that not only do the national security agencies suck up too much money and time, but also that they have (particularly under Rumsfeld) grabbed control of as much as they can.
San Antonio, Tex.: "Gates is a Bush 1/Scowcroft guy, not a Cheney guy"
He is also very political and has established a record for being careful to please those immediately above him in the food chain. (I worked on and off for him at CIA after his return from the NSC.)
But a question: do you think this change might, in fact, be a sign that Bush Sr. is finally having an influence on his unfortunate son?
William M. Arkin: I think, as I said earlier, that it is a rejection of Cheney.
Careful and civil with not some pretension of changing the military and controlling the world won't be a bad thing for two years.
But having said that, our hopeless Green-zoned luggage bound military needs lots of help.
Monroe, La.: Don't you think that the feedback from the military constituency had reached a crescendo especially after the Military Times group's editorials?
William M. Arkin: Read what I wrote on Monday about the Military Times editorials.
William M. Arkin: Blog: The Mandate on Rumsfeld (Early Warning, Nov. 6)_______________________
San Francisco, Calif.: How will the changes affect Iran situation? Also, will there be a more concentrated approach on Afghanistan?
William M. Arkin: The Democrats have made this argument that we need to get back
I don't see it. What we need is to stop providing excuses and
provocations for the bad guys.
Then let's see whether there isn't positive reverberation in
Blog: The Democrats' Martial Plan (Early Warning, Nov. 8)
It seems about five minutes elapsed between Tester Takes Montana and Rumsfeld to Resign. Do you think Rumsfeld planned this in advance or is it a a case of walking before he is made to run?
Second question, if you have time: How would you weigh Gates' chances for a smooth appointment process?
William M. Arkin: Some will focus on Gates' role in Iran-Contra. That's the political process. As if the President was going to nominate Cindy Sheehan to be SECDEF.
Don't think that this was "planned" in advance, but do think that the White House decided that the Secretary had to go and wanted to get through the election before conceding.
Having said that, the thumping just punctuated their view.
Falls Church, Va.: The Democrats have stated that one of their key issues to push through the new Congress is to implement the 9/11 Commission recommendations (which apparently, according to the president, makes them soft on terrorism).
With Rumsfeld gone, has the likelihood of legislation based on the commissions recommendations making it to the president's desk and being signed just increased?
William M. Arkin: Probably it has.
But Iraq is the central agenda item. It seems to me that the Dems can't focus on anything else first. They have to produce a plan and they have to convince the rest of the country that they have one.
Wheaton, Md.: At his press conference today, Mr. Bush explicitly admitted to lying in his answer about Rumsfeld last week so that "you and Hunt and Keil" would move on to another question. Has the press become so accustomed to being lied to these days that they barely bat an eyelash? Yeesh.
William M. Arkin: How do you know when you are being lied to?
I had heard rumors for some time that Rumsfeld was an albatross, but it took an election, and even the kind of election approaching to make it clear that the American people were not onboard.
I think this is good news: The President recognizes that changes have to be made. He makes them. Would I have liked it if he had fired Rumsfeld a year ago? Sure. But I also think it is the right thing to do today.
Arlington, Va.: Put aside Iraq, and I think Rumsfeld has been a visionary on military reform issues doing what Gary Hart and other military reformers called for in the 1980's by reshaping the military. Two questions:
1. Now he's gone, does that all come to an end?
2. The Iraq war has resulted in the destruction of much of the Cold War arsenal (saving nukes, of course). So what will the legacy force of the future look like and or will the Democrats controlling Congress turn away Army requests for new weapons, and keep us at an 11-carrier Navy?
William M. Arkin: "Transformation" is two things: It is the transformation of the military into a more modular digitized force, smaller and more joint. That is happening and will continue.
It is also a cudgel used by Rumsfeld to maintain control. Anything he didn't like wasn't transformational and any he did was. Thank goodness that's over.
Bedford, N.Y.: Will the change in DEFSEC mean that the military will be able to conduct the war with less interference and make their own decisions without fear of reprisal from the new secretary?
William M. Arkin: It will not.
The problem in Iraq is not some MacNamara controlling the war on the ground. It is Iraq. Rumsfeld did his damage three years ago, but the military has not accorded itself well either.
But, if Gates is open-minded and truly interested in military advice and input and restores dialog and openness, it can only have the impact of making our military stronger. I imagine in the end that that is why Rumsfeld had to go, not because some specific decision he made stopped the military from "doing" something.
And that includes the question of more troops. Again, that decision was made 3 years ago plus. Had the Army gotten its way, we probably wouldn't have gone into Iraq at all, so it's moot.
Washington, D.C.: Is Rumsfeld's departure good or bad for the morale of American troops?
William M. Arkin: Good, in the sense that it will improve civilian-military relations, thus strengthening the military.
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: Where does Rumfeld's departure leave the Defense Department's TRANSFORMATION plan? Will the focus now be on restoring the cuts to our conventional forces to fight the war on terror; or will Gates go forward with downsizing the force in preparation for future wars 20-30 years from now?
William M. Arkin: We have to get out of Iraq before we will answer this question. Much money will be needed just to replace and repair what has been worn into the ground in the past five years.
As for fighting the war 20-30 years from now, what an odd question. Do you imagine that there aren't wars between now and then? I do. And I also think that those wars will more have an influence over what kind of American military develops than any "plan."
Mililani, Hawaii: Mr Arkin: Do you see the new defense secretary reaching out immediately to the the Pentagon senior leadership, especially the Army's senior officer corps in an attempt to restore lost trust and respect that was shattered during Rumsfeld's troubled tenure?
William M. Arkin: I see Gates listening a lot, and a lot to voices that feel that they have been shut out for too long.
I'm not sure though that I share you presumption that the officers' corps has some indisputable position and/or solution that just needs some airing. There is a lot of missing backbone and integrity in the officer corps. That has been the case for longer than Rumsfeld.
Indianapolis, Ind.: Can we expect a change in Pace's position? Does Gates's history suggest respect for the opinions of military leaders?
William M. Arkin: Pace has a term to serve. The new Secretary will decide on whether he gets a second term, but I find it highly unlikely that he would be fired.
Maybe though he'll be unbound, released to speak up, if indeed as some have said and written, he has been cowed by Rumsfeld.
Tampa, Fla.: Does Rumsfeld leaving mean his "smaller, lighter, faster" doctrine is leaving with him? How does Gates stand on this? Will the Powell doctrine of overwhelming force return?
William M. Arkin: Don't know yet what Gates thinks about the military or about military transformation.
As for the Powell doctrine, it was a slogan that is neither universal nor necessarily achievable in the real world.
What is more, we don't need overwhelming force to fight terrorism, we need finesse.
Missoula, Mont.: Your comment about this not being about strategy is intriguing to me. What IS the Bush administration strategy at this point, and how do you think this will change with the Dems and Gates?
William M. Arkin: I don't know what the military "strategy" is, that is what I meant.
The overall strategy is Iraq is stand up/stand down. It is a crazy belief that the Iraqis will be able to become something -- a democracy, a national competent and humane fighting force -- in a short period of time. They can not and will not. It will not be pretty what will happen when we leave, but we can not stay merely because we are hoping that they will change. They won't.
And of course the other option is that we put A LOT more troops in Iraq to turn the tide. First, we won't. That isn't the electoral mandate. Second, we shouldn't. That is because the military would just screw that up as well. I hate to say it, but I believe it.
Relaxed?: "But I found Bush in his press conference today to be relaxed.....he has the Democrats as partners"
He sure did not sound relaxed on the radio. It sounded like he was hyperventilating? Democrats as partners? Come on, it will be partisan politics as usual.
William M. Arkin: I hope you are wrong. And I suspect that you are. The Democrats need to demonstrate that they can do national security in order to win the Presidency in 2008. That is particular so if they hope to win with a woman or an African-American Freshman from Illinois.
Munich, Germany: During the 2004 Kerry versus Bush election, many journalistic pundits felt that the Iraqis (citizens and insurgents alike) and Iraqi-based terrorists would not differentiate between a Kerry administration and a Bush administration.
Is there any indication that the civilians, insurgents and terrorists in Iraq will behave differently after Rumsfeld's departure? Was Rumsfeld a bogeyman for the Iraqis?
William M. Arkin: I don't put much hope in a change in Iraq. That is why we have to decide for ourselves to leave in the best and safest possible way.
Philadelphia, Pa.: Won't both sides, D's and R's, embrace any seemingly reasonable Iraq plan or recommendations hatched by the Baker Commission? It seems that any plan which falls in between "stay the course" or "cut and run" provides political cover for both parties. Have you heard anything about what might come out of the Baker Commission?
William M. Arkin: There is a lot of pressure on the Commission to come up with something.
But my guess is, looking at the composition, that their real role is to find some principles that the Dems and Republicans can join on. They are not military strategists (in fact, I don't believe that there is one retired General or Admiral amongst them).
Monroe, La.: Thanks for the link on your Times article. You were on point. Two questions: Doesn't the confirmation process for Gates open the door on a review of Iraq? And do you think the Iran Contra connection will be a huge impediment?
William M. Arkin: I think Gates will have a tough time. Under normal circumstances, he would have a hard time with Iran Contra. But I'm guessing now he will be quizzed quite heavily on Iraq, and that there will be some kind of litmus test and pledge he will have to make in order to survive.
Newark, N.J.: Speculate here, if you will: What will the Middle East make of the resignation? What about Iraq? What about Europe?
William M. Arkin: I see all of them seeing American democracy in action, something to be admired.
I see all of them also being cynical, as some of the questioners here today have been, that this is also political manipulation and ploy.
Kansas City, Mo.: Do you really think that the lights were finally turned on in the White House today and they got a chance to look at what they had been doing the country and the world?
William M. Arkin: Don't get too overheated. The lights went on when the lights went off. But first, we need to solve Iraq and that means the Democrats need to produce something specific. Second, we need to reassess the war against terrorism and our approach. I don't know that the American people, let alone the Democratic party have strong views on the latter.
St. Simns Island, Ga.: I believe history will be much kinder to Rumsfeld. The way I see it Rumsfeld wanted no part in nation building, and refused to increase the troop level to do it. Instead, he wanted to remove Hussein, get out of Iraq, and let the Iraqis settle their differences. Which is what is going to happen anyway. But after 3,000 plus Americans have died in a failed attempt at nation building.
William M. Arkin: Rumsfeld thought Iraq would be easier than it was, and he did not consider all of the possibilities beyond his own presumptions of Saddam's use of WMD, their focus and their Achilles heel.
Baton Rouge, La.: What does today's announcement signal for the future of SecState Rice? Isn't she considered part of the Cheney/Rumsfeld camp?
William M. Arkin: Rice is the closest to the President. But she is also weak and a non-player on the Iraq question.
Okay all. My hour is up. Thanks for participating. I've typed as fast as I can. Sorry for the dozens of questions I couldn't get to.
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A Voter Rebuke For Bush, the War And the Right
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The political pendulum in American politics swung away from the right yesterday, putting an end to the 12-year Republican Revolution on Capitol Hill and delivering a sharp rebuke of President Bush and the Iraq war.
The GOP reign in the House that began with Newt Gingrich in a burst of vision and confrontation in 1994 came crashing down amid voter disaffection with congressional corruption. The collapse of one-party rule in Washington will transform Bush's final two years in office and challenge Democrats to make the leap from angry opposition to partners in power.
How far the balance shifts to the left remains to be seen. The passion of the antiwar movement helped propel party activists in this election year, and the House leadership under the likely new speaker, Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), hails from the party's liberal wing. But the Democrats' victory was built on the back of more centrist candidates seizing Republican-leaning districts, and Pelosi emphasized that she will try to lead without becoming the ideological mirror of Gingrich.
"We have learned from watching the Republicans -- they would not allow moderates a voice in their party," Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) said in an interview as he waited to see if Democrats would take control of the upper chamber as well. "We must work from the middle."
The Democrats' return to power in at least one house and gains in the other mean Bush will almost certainly face powerful pressure to reassess his Iraq policy -- not just from Democrats but from within his own party. Even many Republicans hanging on last night emerged from a bruising election restive and looking for a fresh direction.
By the end of the campaign, Republicans were airing ads distancing themselves from Bush's wartime leadership, and the president himself abandoned the phrase "stay the course." The White House is placing hope on a study group headed by former secretary of state James A. Baker III, a longtime Bush family intimate, to offer a new approach to the war. Yet Vice President Cheney laid down a marker last week, saying "it doesn't matter" if the war is unpopular and vowing to continue "full speed ahead."
During a victory speech last night, Pelosi made clear that would not suffice: "We cannot continue down this catastrophic path. And so we say to the president, 'Mr. President, we need a new direction in Iraq. Let us work together to find a solution to the war in Iraq.' "
The results represented the first defeat at the polls for Bush politics since he came to power after the 2000 presidential election ended with a recount battle. In back-to-back elections after that, he defied conventional wisdom to pull out victories, tapping into a strain of anxiety that has flavored the national electorate since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Bush and senior adviser Karl Rove tried to replicate that strategy this fall, hoping to keep the election from becoming a referendum on the president's leadership and instead make it a choice between two parties with different governing philosophies. "One thing that's true is this will have been a referendum election," said Gary Jacobson, a political science professor at the University of California at San Diego.
Overall, 59 percent of voters surveyed in a news media consortium series of exit polls yesterday expressed dissatisfaction or anger with the Bush administration; 36 percent said they cast their vote to express opposition to Bush, compared with 22 percent who were voting to support him. Fifty-six percent of voters support withdrawing some or all U.S. troops from Iraq, which will embolden Democrats pushing for a pullout.
Corruption proved to be a more potent issue than it had appeared even weeks ago. After 12 years in control, the Republicans who took power with Gingrich promising to sweep out a calcified and ethically bankrupt Democratic leadership found themselves perceived as becoming what they had tried to expunge. Exit polls found 41 percent of voters rated corruption "extremely important" to their decision.
"What you saw was the voters speak out very loudly on the way Congress conducted itself," said Rep. Eric I. Cantor (R-Va.). "We really have to take stock of where we are and we have to go about doing things different." Cantor said this includes a renewed emphasis on fiscal discipline and ethics reform.
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The political pendulum in American politics swung away from the right yesterday, putting an end to the 12-year Republican Revolution on Capitol Hill and delivering a sharp rebuke of President Bush and the Iraq war.
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Let's Stop Stereotyping Evangelicals
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It was in 1976 -- the "year of the evangelical," according to Newsweek -- that conservative Christians burst upon the political landscape. Critics have been warning about the theocratic takeover of America ever since. Thus the plaintive cry of a Cabinet member in the Carter administration: "I am beginning to fear that we could have an Ayatollah Khomeini in this country, but that he will not have a beard . . . he will have a television program."
This election season produced similar lamentations -- Howard Dean's warning about Christian "extremism," Kevin Phillips's catalogue of fears in "American Theocracy" and brooding documentaries such as "Jesus Camp," to name a few. This theme is a gross caricature of the 100 million or more people who could be called evangelicals. But the real problem is that it denies the profoundly democratic ideals of Protestant Christianity, while ignoring evangelicalism's deepening social conscience.
Evangelicals led the grass-roots campaigns for religious liberty, the abolition of slavery and women's suffrage. Even the Moral Majority in its most belligerent form amounted to nothing more terrifying than churchgoers flocking peacefully to the polls on Election Day. The only people who want a biblical theocracy in America are completely outside the evangelical mainstream, their influence negligible.
So as Jerry Falwell and other ministers were jumping into politics, leaders such as Charles Colson -- former Nixon aide turned born-again Christian -- were charting another path. In 1976 Colson launched Prison Fellowship, a ministry to inmates, to address the soaring crime problem. Today it ranks as the largest prison ministry in the world, active in most U.S. prisons and in 112 countries. "Crime and violence frustrate every political answer," he has said, "because there can be no solution apart from character and creed." No organization has done more to bring redemption and hope to inmates and their families.
Evangelical megachurches, virtually unheard of 30 years ago, are now vital sources of social welfare in urban America. African American congregations such as the Potter's House in Dallas, founded by Bishop T.D. Jakes, can engage a volunteer army of 28,000 believers in ministries ranging from literacy to drug rehabilitation. Rick Warren, author of "The Purpose-Driven Life," has organized a vast network of churches to confront the issue of AIDS. "Because of their longevity and trust in the community," Warren has said, "churches can actually do a better job long-term than either governments or" nongovernmental organizations in tackling the pandemic.
Whether or not that's true, these evangelicals -- Bible-believing and socially conservative -- are redefining social justice. They're mindful of the material conditions that breed poverty and despair, but they emphasize spiritual rebirth. Though willing to partner with government agencies, they prefer to work at the grass roots, one family at a time.
Meanwhile, churches and faith-based organizations are growing enormously in their international outreach. Groups such as World Vision are often the first responders to natural disasters. The Association of Evangelical Relief and Development Organizations, founded in 1978, now boasts 47 member groups in dozens of countries. As anyone familiar with these organizations knows, they help people regardless of creed, race or sexual orientation -- another democratic (and evangelical) ideal.
It is surely no thirst for theocracy but rather a love for their neighbor that sends American evangelicals into harm's way: into refugee camps in Sudan; into AIDS clinics in Somalia, South Africa and Uganda; into brothels to help women forced into sexual slavery; and into prisons and courts to advocate for the victims of political and religious repression.
Indeed, probably no other religious community in the United States is more connected to the poverty and suffering of people in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Walter Russell Mead of the Council on Foreign Relations argues that evangelicals offer moral ballast to American foreign policy. "[E]vangelicals who began by opposing Sudanese violence and slave raids against Christians in southern Sudan," he wrote recently in Foreign Affairs, "have gone on to broaden the coalition working to protect Muslims in Darfur."
Of course it's true that a handful of Christian figures reinforce the worst stereotypes of the movement. Their loopy and triumphalist claims are seized upon by lazy journalists and the direct-mail operatives of political opponents.
Yet it is dishonest to disparage the massive civic and democratic contribution of evangelicals by invoking the excesses of a tiny few. As we recall from the Gospels, even Jesus had a few disciples who, after encountering some critics, wanted to call down fire from heaven to dispose of them. Jesus disabused them of that impulse. The overwhelming majority of evangelicals have dispensed with it as well. Maybe it's time more of their critics did the same.
Joseph Loconte is a distinguished visiting professor at Pepperdine University's School of Public Policy. Michael Cromartie is vice chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. They co-direct the Evangelicals and Civic Life program at the Ethics and Public Policy Center.
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It's dishonest to disparage the massive contribution of evangelicals by invoking the excesses of a tiny few. Bible-believing and socially conservative Christians are redefining social justice.
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As Climate Changes, Can We?
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If there were any remaining doubt about the urgent need to combat climate change, two reports issued last week should make the world sit up and take notice. First, according to the latest data submitted to the United Nations, the greenhouse gas emissions of the major industrialized countries continue to increase. Second, a study by a former chief economist of the World Bank, Sir Nicholas Stern of Britain, called climate change "the greatest and widest-ranging market failure ever seen," with the potential to shrink the global economy by 20 percent and to cause economic and social disruption on par with the two world wars and the Great Depression.
The scientific consensus, already clear and incontrovertible, is moving toward the more alarmed end of the spectrum. Many scientists long known for their caution are now saying that warming has reached dire levels, generating feedback loops that will take us perilously close to a point of no return. A similar shift may be taking place among economists, with some formerly circumspect analysts saying it would cost far less to cut emissions now than to adapt to the consequences later. Insurers, meanwhile, have been paying out more and more each year to compensate for extreme weather events. And growing numbers of corporate and industry leaders have been voicing concern about climate change as a business risk. The few skeptics who continue to try to sow doubt should be seen for what they are: out of step, out of arguments and just about out of time.
A major U.N. climate change conference opened Monday in Nairobi. The stakes are high. Climate change has profound implications for virtually all aspects of human well-being, from jobs and health to food security and peace within and among nations. Yet too often climate change is seen as an environmental problem when it should be part of the broader development and economic agenda. Until we acknowledge the all-encompassing nature of the threat, our response will fall short.
Environment ministers have been striving valiantly to mobilize international action. But too many of their counterparts -- energy, finance, transport and industry ministers, and even defense and foreign secretaries -- have been missing from the debate. Climate change should be their concern as well. The barriers that have kept them apart must be broken down so that they can, in an integrated way, think about how to "green" the massive investments in energy supply that will be needed to meet burgeoning global demand over the next 30 years.
Doom-and-gloom scenarios meant to shock people into action often end up having the opposite effect, and so it has been at times with climate change. We must focus not only on the perils but also on the associated opportunities. Carbon markets have reached a volume of $30 billion this year, but their potential remains largely unexploited. The Kyoto Protocol is fully operational, including a Clean Development Mechanism that could generate $100 billion for developing countries.
The Stern report suggests that markets for low-carbon energy products are likely to be worth at least $500 billion per year by 2050. Even today, it is baffling that readily available, energy-efficient technologies and know-how are not used more often -- a win-win approach that produces less pollution, less warming, more electricity and more output. Low emissions need not mean low growth or stifling a country's development aspirations. And the savings can buy time for solar, wind and other alternative energy sources to be developed and made more cost-effective.
Efforts to prevent future emissions must not be allowed to obscure the need to adapt to climate change, which will be an enormous undertaking because of the massive carbon accumulations to date. The world's poorest countries, many of them in Africa, are least able to cope with this burden -- which they had little role in creating -- and will need international help if they are not to be further thwarted in their efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals.
There is still time for all our societies to change course. We must not fear the voters or underestimate their willingness to make large investments and long-term changes. People are yearning to do what it takes to address this threat and move to a safer and sounder model of development. Growing numbers of businesses are eager to do more and await only the right incentives.
The Nairobi conference can and must be part of this gathering critical mass. It must send a clear, credible signal that the world's political echelon takes climate change seriously. The question is not whether climate change is happening but whether, in the face of this emergency, we ourselves can change fast enough.
The writer is secretary general of the United Nations.
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Skeptics on global warming should be seen for what they are: out of step, out of arguments and just about out of time.
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My 'Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan'
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I'm a Muslim Kazakh woman who arrived in the United States two months ago to work on my master's in public administration. Almost every time I meet people and tell them where I come from, they ask me about the "Kazakh journalist" Borat, "the sixth most famous man" in Kazakhstan. I answer that Borat is a satirical fictional character who has nothing in common with Kazakhstan or its people.
Many of my new American friends find Borat's adventures in "US and A" hilarious and his remarks about my country amusing. Unsurprisingly, not many of the people of Kazakhstan are equally amused. So I want to tell you the inside story about Kazakhstan. And, to steal a line from Borat, please read my article, or I will be execute.
Kazakhstan is the world's ninth-largest country in land area. It is in Central Asia along the famous Silk Road, which once stretched from Venice to Beijing. We "walk on oil," but that's not the only thing we were blessed with. Our social and economic achievements in the past decade have been remarkable.
But I would rather speak of my people. I am in my mid-20s and am myself a good example of what today's Kazakhstan is about. I was the first of three children born to an average Soviet family in the year of the Moscow Olympic Games and the Oscar-winning movie "Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears." My dad worked at the Space Research Institute of the Kazakh Academy of Sciences, while my mom taught computer science at the National Technical University. The tradition of education in my family, which led me to degrees in international law and business administration and now has brought me to this country, is strong in Kazakhstan. That is why its people are among the most educated in the world and have a 98 percent literacy rate.
Borat says women can now ride "inside of bus" in Kazakhstan. Actually, men and women enjoy equal opportunity, and our women are more likely to be driving the bus. Before arriving in the United States, I worked for the best local law firm and then a U.N. field mission, and I had a car and an apartment in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana.
People in Kazakhstan take pride in their ancestors, the nomadic Turkic tribes that managed to unite and retain a territory the size of Western Europe for centuries, despite their vulnerable location between the Chinese and Russian empires. For many years the mostly Sunni Muslim Kazakhs, first as part of the Russian empire and then the Soviet Union, welcomed Russians, Ukrainians, Germans, Koreans, Jews, Chechens and Uighurs to their land regardless of their religious beliefs. Those people either chose to come or were deported to Kazakhstan by the communists for various reasons. At different periods my country has been affected by wars, famine and repression.
With the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, the economic turmoil brought hardship. Many of my Russian, German, Korean and Jewish friends left for their historical homelands, but many others chose to stay and build a modern, thriving Kazakhstan together. Today those troubles are a thing of the past, and our people look to the future with great optimism.
The Kazakh flag Borat uses in the movie, with an eagle soaring in the blue sky under the sun, is our symbol of independence and pride. If your eyes have ever welled up when you saw the Stars and Stripes, you will understand how we feel about it.
The "moviefilm" by Sacha Baron Cohen, "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," is playing well in American theaters. One can only applaud the humorist's talent, but the movie is entertaining only because the world is so unfamiliar with reality.
Perhaps that will change. The movie has already created unprecedented interest in Kazakhstan. Not only has Borat promoted our name and flag, he has also indirectly fueled a great wave of patriotism among my fellow citizens.
Please take an opportunity to visit us one day and hear our real language, not Borat's:
"Kazakhstanga kosh keliniz!" -- "Welcome to Kazakhstan!"
The writer is a student from Kazakhstan doing graduate work at George Washington University.
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Not only has Borat promoted our name and flag, he has also indirectly fueled a great wave of patriotism. Please take an opportunity to visit us one day and hear our real language, not Borat's.
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Reform Immigration
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Mexico City - This might be wishful thinking, but my one recommendation is to get both Democrats and Republicans to move beyond party politics. This is especially imperative when dealing with one of the most important issues on the U.S.'s domestic agenda: immigration.
People in Mexico are dumbfounded by the stubbornness of the American government on immigration reform. The need for reform seems clear from our side of the border.
Jorge Castañeda's views on this subject are particularly informative.
If polls are to be trusted, a large portion of the American population mostly http://www.pollingreport.com/immigration.htm ">shares our view as well.
Still, congressmen in Washington won't touch the subject, at least not when it comes to any serious reform oriented initiative.
From a political point of view, it's understandable. Who would want to mess with such a polarizing problem? Since American electoral politics are now ruled by the tyranny of the ultra-conservatives, who will always equate immigration reform with amnesty for immigrants, no congressman seems willing to risk his or her political future by taking a proactive stance on the issue.
That might be good personal politics, but it's also lousy for the common-good. Playing to the conservative crowd on issues such as immigration will only delay much needed reform that would clearly benefit the majority of Americans. It's a shame that politics in the United States have been taken hostage by such a vocal, active and unrepresentative minority.
By Leon Krauze | November 7, 2006; 12:49 AM ET Previous: Multilateral Sanctions Work |
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/cgi-bin/mt/mtb.cgi/13019
The top issue that Washington should address is the flood of illegal aliens entering the USA. Congress should enact the following law.
Proposed Law: Regulation to Colonize Mexico -------------------------------------------- 1. Mexico is a failed society. The Mexicans are a failed people: for 50+ years, they have destroyed their own society.
2. Washington shall take the necessary steps to intervene in the Mexican government, including the prompt removal of politicians who promote failed policies. For example, under the proposed law, Washington would have removed Vincente Fox 3 months after his election.
3. This law applies if and only if more than 100 Mexicans flood into the USA per year.
4. Compel -- by any "reasonable" means -- the Mexican government to Westernize their society. Specifically, CIA covert operations will hunt down and kill drug lords (and their accomplices in the Mexican government) like common animals. Just a bunch of common animals.
The aim of this law is to effectively run Mexico like a colony if the Mexicans insist on foisting their problems on the USA.
Posted by: Atheist, Boston, USA | November 7, 2006 04:20 PM
A successful smearing of anyone who would dare speak up in behalf of immigrants made it impossible to require siding on the positive side of reform. Forgiveness is now over. Those of us expecting real commitment will now once again press for reform and we will keep rallying people for accountability. While this election is too soon to feel the effect of the full voting power the newly arrived, the participation in the civic process is now part of many and it is hard to forget that one can have an effect, equivocal politicians aside.
Posted by: RDS, Philadelphia PA, USA | November 8, 2006 07:55 AM
Wait, I'm confused. People in MEXICO are dumbfounded by the US government's inability to reform immigration?
I'm sorry, but is Mexico reforming its immigration policy, which is just as, if not more restrictive than the policy here in the USA?
I'm "dumbfounded" that the Mexican people would waste their time focusing on a country that is NOT their own. How about focusing on how Mexico can properly collect taxes from the rich and invest more than 6% of the GDP into education. How about Mexico focus on building up its own infrastructure and cleaning out the corruption and criminal activity within its borders?
Maybe if the Mexican citizens stayed home and voted in their elections and fought for their civil rights in MEXICO, you wouldn't have time to be "dumbfounded" and worried about our immigration reform. And, the USA could focus on other more pressing domestic issues such as health care, raising the minimum wage, etc. for its OWN citizens.
What don't you people get about civic duty within and to your own country? Running away to other countries is not the answer. Staying home and fighting the corruption, IS the answer.
Posted by: GV Chicago, IL | November 8, 2006 10:33 AM
To all who wish to stop legal/illigal immigration to the USA, think before you ask, for the unintended consequences in USA demographics are quite frightening, for your nation.
US census data indicates that your feritility rate is approx 1.75 if you do not count the children born to Spanish speaking immigrants [most were illigal] with them in the population you just have enough fertility to stay with present population in 20-30 years.
You best look at Japan and Europe [with China coming soon due to the ten year old regulation of one child per woman] for all the problems caused by lack of children:
1., very small productive group trying to support a very large retired group [# of Workers/retirees ratio].
2., No one to fill service jobs and entry level jobs [no young people, and most are in school til 20-21 or older]
3., Your national debt will have to be serviced by a shrinking workforce, forcing the nation to cut back on all services -- especially heaslth care, the most expensive part of old age.
3., Wholesale school closings, {here in Ontario they figure in 10 years the school population will shrink 30%] with probable later closing of colleges and universities.
Posted by: Salamon, Canada | November 8, 2006 08:47 PM
RDS suggstion is a permanent solution. Too bad it calls for illegal aliens to stay home and be accountable and responsible for their self and their society. But that's too much work for people who insist they came to America to do the work "we won't do". Stay home, do the work and you will make more money and be in the place you love.
Posted by: ws, Washington, DC | November 8, 2006 08:53 PM
Mexican culture (unlike a Western culture) de-values -- almost ridicules -- education. As a result, Mexicans are some of the most ignorant people whom you would ever have the displeasure of meeting.
As a result, the Mexicans have literally destroyed their society. Meanwhile, they sing the praises of Mexican values.
To understand the level of ignorance, examine closely how they deal with the issue of population growth. Most Mexicans, including 1st-generation Americans of Mexican ancestry, claim that the USA absolutely needs illegal aliens in order for the economy to function. According to these ignorant bigots, without the illegal aliens, most Americans would starve to death because no one would pick the fruits and vegetables.
Have you ever met this kind of ignorant bigot?
We in the West are highly educated, and we know how the economy works. Specifically, the economic laws of supply and demand automatically solve the shortage of labor in the unskilled-labor market. Without illegal aliens, the market would dramatically boost the wages in the unskilled-labor market. Wages will rise to a level at which the demand for labor meets the supply of labor.
There is no economic need for illegal aliens. Furthermore, there is no need to continuously grow the population. If the American population were to decline to 200 million over the course of 100 years, there would be no noticeable reduction in standard of living.
The ignorant bigots from Mexico think otherwise. I kid you not. Just look at the what the Mexicans are saying this very forum.
The best answer to Mexican ignorance and bigotry is a good textbook in economics.
Posted by: Atheist, Boston, USA | November 8, 2006 11:59 PM
To the Atheist & like-minded followers:
Congratulations, you managed only to expose your own self for the intolerant, and indeed, the most ignorant type of person that exists in our country today.
While you may choose to direct this message to yourself it's really directed to reach those who are rational, and yes, have a real understanding of how economics works.
Here's how our economy would be affected.
Firstly, we have been for some time now, transitioning to a more "knowledge based" economy--one that emphasizes education, and creates more better, and higher-paying jobs in the areas of consulting, information technology, health-care, financial services, post-secondary education teaching, and to a lesser degree--sales.
This creates"gravitation" towards these areas of employment in our economy.
Secondly, this creates a pull, as we have seen for many years now, away from the low-skilled labor market, which indeed, creates a shortage in the workforce. Where do we get these workers?
In California, we have construction companies offering starting wages of $35 dollars an hour with full benefits, but are still unable to fill the positions because there aren't enough-- willing bodies to fill the positions.
The explanation of "supply and demand" only works if you have enough people in the labor pool willing to the work--and presently, that isn't the case.
If we were to, as you say, increase wages even higher in areas like agriculture, these higher wages would only be passed on to consumers in the form of--higher prices. This causes inflation to rise, eats away at "real wages," and doesn't let the economy grow.
Thirdly, the population and birthrate of the native population plays a "seismic" role in determining whether one's economy will continue to grow and be dynamic. As someone else previously mentioned, the loss of population holds back the "productivity" of any economy.
What Europe and Japan are facing now, is what would await us without continued immigration into our country--a decade plus of negative and depressed growth.
Lastly, what is rarely mentioned is that these immigrants are contributing to our economy in other ways, like purchasing homes (and paying property taxes on them), and revitalizing aging communities by opening up businesses. Santa Ana, and La Habra, California are a perfect example of this.
The three areas of the country that benefited the most from the recent housing boom, all share a common denominator, the influx of immigrants. Orange County-Santa Ana, Long Beach, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale economies all led in comparison to the rest of the country.
This isn't a coincidence. Anyone can be used as a scapegoat, especially those with no voice, but as the success of our economy shows--there are many benefits that our nation receives from immigration.
The people who write in this forum are in fact, western educated. And please, read up on some real economists like Stanley Fischer, Rudi Dornbusch, and David Ricardo, perhaps then, will you learn about "supply and demand."
Please do this before you write more of your flawed arguments, which contradict the "most elementary" of economic theory. It's only a suggestion, but a good one. It sounds as if you have been in educated in Saudi Arabia, rather than in the western world, Mr. Atheist.Only one who exhibits extreme ignorance of this kind would choose a name like--yours.
Posted by: Joshua, The O.C., USA | November 9, 2006 02:16 AM
Posted by: gabe,sj,usa | November 9, 2006 03:00 AM
"Have you ever met this kind of ignorant bigot?"
nope but ive met plenty of ones like you
Posted by: Vien, Santa Clara,usa | November 9, 2006 03:02 AM
The US hardly needs more unskilled, uneducated laborers. We have enough home-grown ignoramuses.
We have reason to exclude unskilled immigrants. Some people on this forum seem to believe we don't have the right. We do; it's our country. And it's not racist for us to protect our national interests. I don't care what color immigrants are. I do care about rampant population growth and all the attendant ills: overuse of resources, traffic, degradation of the environment.
However, I don't think the solution is to build a fence. We need a national ID card and we need to enforce laws denying work to illegal immigrants. If the work goes away, the immigrants go away.
If in the future it proves we need more unskilled laborers, we can offer them visas, and welcome them in as LEGAL immigrants.
Posted by: PJ | November 9, 2006 07:59 AM
Be careful PJ and others in this forum who believe in having law abiding people in America. The PC word games and logic devised by illegal aliens and their supporters was purposely done in order to cause great confusion. Do not use terms that could convey a stance of anti-immigration if your actual stance is anti-illegal alien or unlawful attempts to migrate. When you mix the terms they win and will attempt to call you a bigot or anti-immigrant when they know good and well that your true view is (usually) anti-illegal alien.
There are many in this forum who cannot simply answer a YES/NO question: Do you believe in having only law abiding people in this country? Many here will attempt to say YES even though they are either an illegal alien or they support illegal aliens. Illegal aliens are -- by default -- not law abiding. Anyone who can't comprehend that unarguable fact is beyond reason and hope intellectually.
We need legal immigrants. They have always been welcomed. And always will be. :)
WS one of millions of U.S. citizens who are pro-immigrant and anti-illegal alien.
Posted by: ws, Washington, DC | November 9, 2006 08:27 AM
I can understand why a Mexican would be confused about our immigration policy. We say don't come, don't come but if you make it we'll give you the highest paying job you've ever had in your life right away. The truth is for many reasons we need them badly. In agriculture across the board we cannot succeed without them. I read in Pat Buchanon's new book that only %25 of packing house workers were undocumented. That is just factually, incorrect. Beef, Pork and Dairy production in the USA is heavily reliant on these workers. Anyone who thinks otherwise is unaware or in denial.
Posted by: Bob Omaha USA | November 9, 2006 10:52 AM
Posted by: Bingham, Orlando, Fl | November 9, 2006 11:33 AM
Since we're talking about economics and I'm kind of an expert on Economics (I've got a bachelor's degree from Keiser College). Maybe we shouldn't be so focused on trying to maintain our agricultural power, when crappy countries can do it better (honestly who cares about DDT), and when I say better I mean cheaper. P.S. Iowa sucks.
Posted by: Me, Orlando | November 9, 2006 11:42 AM
I'm appalled by the lethargy displayed by my country. When our ancestors were threatened by British oppressors, they did not tarry--they fought for what they knew was right. I am now prepared to do the same.
Posted by: Dr. Griffon, PhD, Boone High School, Orlando, FL | November 9, 2006 11:43 AM
Posted by: Dr. Griffon, PhD | November 9, 2006 11:47 AM
In the following discussion, when I use the term, "Mexican", I am referring to both Mexican nationals and 1st-generation Americans of Mexican ancestry. Most Mexicans are the worst sort of bigots whom you would ever have the displeasure of meeting.
In this (and other forums), they utter the following bigotted statements.
Mexican bigotry #1: The free market does not work. There is a broccoli farm which pays $40 per hour, and it cannot find enough workers. $40 is a very high wage. In fact, it is too high.
ECONOMIC FACT: The free market works. The laws of supply and demand are clear. If you cannot find labor at a particular wage, then that is not the equilibrium market wage. What a Mexican bigot considers to be a high wage is not necessarily the equilibrium market wage.
Surpluses of labor occur when labor is overpriced. Shortages of labor occur when labor is underpriced.
Mexican bigotry #2: If wages rise to the equilibrium market wage, then it will cause permanent debilitating inflation exceeding 10% annually.
ECONOMIC FACT: When the free market adjusts the price of labor (via the powerful forces of shortages and surpluses), there is no permanent debilitating inflation.
The best way to fight Mexican igorance, bigotry, and sneakiness is to open a standard textbook on economics. Most Mexican demagogues exploit the fact that most Americans have never taken a basic class in economics.
Do not simply accept what I am saying. I want you to prove me wrong. Go to the bookstore at your local university. Buy the standard textbook on economics. Prove me wrong!
Once you have convinced yourself that I am actually right, then join me in condemning Mexican culture. Slam the door shut to illegal immigration.
Posted by: Atheist, Boston, USA | November 9, 2006 03:57 PM
I found you, you snake in the grass-Atheist!?!
Posted by: Mike Hawk, Kickapoo, Kentuky | November 9, 2006 09:26 PM
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The Washington Post presents Post Global: What the World is Thinking. Moderated by David Ignatus and Fareed Zakaria. Visit blog.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/.
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The New House Majority Offers Bipartisanship -- And an Ambitious Agenda
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Congressional Democrats savoring their return to power pledged yesterday to work closely with President Bush on a legislative agenda but demanded a change in course on Iraq and new directions on policies such as the minimum wage and stem cell research.
Democrats were on the verge of capturing the Senate last night to go along with the House majority they won on Tuesday. In Virginia, former Navy secretary James Webb appeared to have defeated incumbent George Allen (R) in the last remaining Senate race, although Allen had yet to say whether he would ask for a recount.
In the House, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who is poised to succeed J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) as speaker, promised swift action early next year on a Democratic package that includes an increase of $2.10 an hour in the minimum wage, full implementation of the recommendations of the bipartisan Sept. 11, 2001, commission, and making some college tuition payments tax-deductible.
Pelosi said she will not heed the calls of some activists on the left to explore impeaching the president. But with subpoena power and committee chairmanships, Democrats will ensure that Bush's anti-terrorism and war policies receive tough scrutiny in the last two years of his presidency. "Democrats are not about getting even; Democrats are about getting results," Pelosi said at a news conference. "I have said before and I say again, impeachment is off the table."
Voters on Tuesday handed Democrats control of the House for the first time since 1994, giving the party a gain of 28 to 30 seats. In January, Pelosi will become the first female House speaker. Hastert, the longest-serving Republican speaker, announced he will step aside and let a new generation of party leaders emerge after this week's losses.
Montana Democrat Jon Tester was declared the winner yesterday in his race with Conrad Burns, the fifth incumbent Republican to fall in the Senate. Democrats need to pick up six seats to gain the majority. As for the Virginia race, with Webb leading by 6,697 votes, even Senate Republican aides were quietly saying their majority was over.
In morning phone calls, Bush congratulated Pelosi, the House minority leader, and Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.), and invited them to a White House lunch today. Bush and Pelosi pledged to put behind them a bitter campaign, in which the president had asserted that a Democratic victory would be a victory for terrorists and Pelosi repeatedly questioned his competence.
"I've been around politics a long time," Bush told reporters. "I understand when campaigns end and when the governing begins."
But policy clashes are inevitable. Control of both houses of Congress would ramp up pressure on Democrats to turn their calls for change into quick legislative accomplishments.
Beyond the Democrats' planned 100-hour blitz to pass most of their legislative agenda, Pelosi reiterated her pledge to restore fiscal discipline to Congress. That could pit her promises of federal largesse against Democratic desires not to roll back the president's tax cuts before their scheduled 2011 expiration dates. She also vowed to enact far-reaching controls on lobbying and ethics that Republican leaders promised this year but did not deliver.
The Democrats' victories also spell trouble for Senate confirmation of interim U.N. Ambassador John R. Bolton and greatly complicate Bush's efforts to appoint conservatives to the federal bench. The administration is virtually certain to face greater congressional scrutiny -- and possibly new legislative restrictions -- on warrantless wiretaps, trade pacts, interrogation techniques for detainees and other controversial policies.
Rep. Thomas M. Davis III (R-Va.) said in an interview on Washington Post Radio (WTWP-FM) that Bush will be "reacting to subpoenas flying, investigations."
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Congressional Democrats savoring their return to power pledged yesterday to work closely with President Bush on a legislative agenda but demanded a change in course on Iraq and new directions on policies such as the minimum wage and stem cell research.
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As Usual, It's the Fans Who Suffer
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Of course we're all shocked that Britney Spears and Kevin Federline, now duly christened "Fed-Ex" in the blogosphere, have split. Maybe we shouldn't be surprised: After all, they have been separated since, um, Monday, according to court papers filed yesterday in Los Angeles. Then there's the little matter of Brit's first marriage, which lasted all of 55 hours -- not exactly the harbinger of an enduring union the second time around.
The reason behind her parting from K-Fed? "Irreconcilable differences," according to Britney's petition for divorce. Neither side would comment further. But the marriage of the pop princess and alleged rapper has resembled a circus train wreck ever since the couple hooked up in 2004.
They cranked out two kids in record time, and there have been omens of divorce since at least May, when Spears, 24, famously tossed out her man's booze supply and set ground rules against his posse's partying in her Malibu palace.
It's been a bad run of late for Federline, 28, who just released his aptly titled debut album, "Playing With Fire." (Rolling Stone called it "reprehensible.") He bombed at his concerts Friday and Saturday nights at Webster Hall in New York, performing to a woefully underfilled house. Gossip sites claimed he had to beg the club not to cancel the shows.
His wife failed to show up at either performance, according to In Touch Weekly, and Us magazine says they stayed in separate hotels. But Spears did make a surprise visit to David Letterman's show Monday night (no mention of the marriage), having magically lost all that baby weight, sporting tasteful designer duds (no track suits!) and looking ready for a comeback.
By filing for divorce on Election Day, did Spears hope to bury the news? It appears from the court papers -- widely available on the Internet as soon as the clerk's stamp dried -- that she was in a hurry. She faxed her signature to her attorneys in Los Angeles from New York. Perhaps she thought the world would be focused on something so meaningless as a national election, and not on the magnitude of her personal dramas.
After all, theirs was a made-for-the-tabloids union: They met at a Hollywood club in April 2004 and by July they were engaged, never mind that his baby's mama, Shar Jackson, also the mother of his firstborn, was rather inconveniently preggers.
By September, the two were married and soon starring in the ill-conceived but also aptly named reality show "Britney and Kevin: Chaotic." Then Spears announced that she was with child. Sean Preston Federline arrived in September '05 and almost exactly a year later out popped his baby brother. The tabs speculated on his name, but the divorce petition has solved that mystery: Jayden James Federline.
The filing of the divorce papers may come as a shock to Mr. Fed-Ex: Just last week he declared to People magazine: "Our relationship is strong. . . . We are going to last a long time."
In the bare-bones divorce papers, Spears asks for custody of the couple's two children, but with visitation rights for Federline. The filing lists as separate property -- off-limits to Federline -- Spears's earnings and assets (unspecified) and "miscellaneous jewelry and other personal effects."
Let the mud-wrestling over the prenup begin.
Staff writer Korin Miller contributed to this report.
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Britney Spears filed for divorced Tuesday from Kevin Federline, officials said, citing "irreconcible differences."
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Looking for a Lift
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During a recent lunch with an old friend I couldn't stop complimenting her on how svelte and sculpted her figure looked. Her deadpan response: "It's the foundation." Whaaaa? Apparently her new bra had accomplished a feat of engineering that nature hadn't quite managed. Intrigued, I decided to do my own due diligence to find out how to get that gravity-defying look.
If you haven't bought a bra lately, remember the key word is "lift." I went straight to two experts who have been putting women of all ages in bras for a total of more than 50 years. They agree that fit is all-important. Here are some of their tips:
If you can't make it to a professional fitter, Cyla Weiner who owns Sy-Lene's in Chevy Chase with her sister Helen, advises measuring tightly, under your armpit around the top of your chest; an even measure (34, 36) is your band size -- add one if you landed on an odd number. Then loosely measure around the center of your bust and subtract this number from the band size. Each inch denotes a cup size, so if you get one, you're an "A," two a "B," etc. "With the right bra and fit, your breasts should rest half way between your shoulders and elbows," says Weiner. Shirlee Blanken of Underwraps in Bethesda, says, "A bra should hit you mid-back and the straps should be tight enough for support but not too tight that they dig into you." Try it on with a tight T-shirt and make sure you get a seamless fit. Don't come into Blanken's store and tell her what size you are; she'll tell you you have to try it on. "You're not always a 34 C," Weiner concurs. Changes in life such as pregnancy, post-pregnancy, weight gain and loss all affect bra size.
The big thing in bras right now is the constructed look -- a light pad that covers the nipples, while adding lift not size. Natori's Underneath Sheer ($46) is a lightly lined contour bra with a see-through plastic center closure for extra-low shirts and dresses. It also features adjustable straps -- crisscross, racerback and halter to accommodate different tops.
If you prefer not to go strapless, an alternative is plastic straps that Blanken says are hard to distinguish. ( Full disclosure: I bought them and have yet to wear them.) For those times when only strapless will do --backless and low-back dresses, for example -- the newest option is the Featherlight Nu Bra ($35), two silicone cups with self-adhesives that link together in the front, creating cleavage while holding you in place.
For large-breasted women, minimizer bras can take you down a size. Blanken says they flatten you out by moving around breast tissue to change its shape. Chantelle's Volupte ($60) with its strong microfiber fabric offers both control and support.
An addendum to my bra investigation yielded information that there's a lingerie solution to almost every body woe. When it comes to fitting into some of today's fashions -- sheer tops, body-hugging sweater dresses, slinky cocktail wear and skinny pants -- the following offer alternatives to liposuction and tummy tucks: Bodywrap's High-Waist Long Leg Brief ($34) shapes, flattens and trims thighs, Spanx's Higher Power Panty ($34) eliminates visible panty lines and slims the body from the thighs up through the midriff, while Sassybax's Torso Trim ($68) eliminates bra bulges and lines. And for the mother of all body shapers, scoop up Lipo in a Box's new capri-length body suit ($84), which promises to create a toned look from head to toe.
And you thought lingerie was supposed to be sexy.
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During a recent lunch with an old friend I couldn't stop complimenting her on how svelte and sculpted her figure looked. Her deadpan response: "It's the foundation." Whaaaa? Apparently her new bra had accomplished a feat of engineering that nature hadn't quite managed. Intrigued, I decided to do my...
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White House Talk
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Dan is also deputy editor of Niemanwatchdog.org .
Dan Froomkin: Hi everyone and welcome to another White House Talk. What a day.
President Bush wrapped up his post-election press conference a few minutes ago. I'm eager to hear your thoughts about it, and about the election, and about the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, and the nomination of Robert M. Gates to replace him.
Me, I'm in shock. Help me process this!
The election of course was dramatic. The resignation of Rumsfeld is a stunner. The nomination of Gates, who is very much associated with Bush's father, is amazing.
But even more astonishing to me was the "New Bush" I saw today in his press conference. Owning up to reality. Speaking well of Democrats. Acknowledging voter skepticism, and vowing to overcome it with deeds. Self-deprecating (rather than bullying). Who is this guy? Will it last?
Atlanta, Ga.: What do you make of Bush's comment that he deliberately lied about Rumsfeld staying on? Will Dems seize on this as proof he's willing to lie whenever it's expedient?
Dan Froomkin: That's a very good point. I almost fell out of my chair when I heard the exchange you're referring to. It went like this:
"Q Thank you, Mr. President. Last week you told us that Secretary Rumsfeld would be staying on. Why is the timing right now for this, and how much does it have to do with the election results?
"PRESIDENT BUSH: Right. No, you and Hunt and Keil came in the Oval Office and you asked -- Hunt asked me the question, one week before the campaign, and basically is are you going to do something about Rumsfeld and the vice president. And my answer was, you know, they're going to stay on. And the reason why is I didn't want to inject a major decision about this war in the final days of a campaign. And so the only way to answer that question and to get you on to another question was to give you that answer."
Bush later explained further, and said that he hadn't actually met with Gates yet, nor officially accepted Rumsfeld's resignation.
But the message is still pretty clear: Ach, I was campaigning, you can't believe everything I say when I'm campaigning.
He added to that impression by being so graceful about the Democrats who he'd been viciously maligning up through Monday night.
What's particularly interesting is the idea that there is a difference between "Campaigner Bush" and "President Bush."
Is "President Bush" the "New Bush" I alluded to in my intro? Has he been "Campaigner Bush" for the last six years, and without another campaign ahead, that's what's so different?
What does it say about WH strategy when Bush finally accepts Rumsfeld's resignation after a U.S. election goes badly for the Republicans, rather than because of one his many Iraq screw ups? This looks like caving to political pressure, rather than some strategic move to make things better in Iraq.
Dan Froomkin: The Rumsfeld decision can and will be read in a zillion different ways.
Here's my gut reaction: Bush finally realized, sometime in the last several months, that his Iraq strategy was a big loser. Rather than announce Rumsfeld's resignation during the campaign (which would have had huge political ramifications, and would have undermined "Campaigner Bush"'s insistence that things were looking up) he's doing it now, when it can (and will) be taken as an example of his acknowledging the new realities -- both in Iraq and on Capitol Hill.
But that's just off the top of my gut.
Sewickley, Pa.: Dan, thanks for taking questions today. The president's news conference today was a real eye-opener for me. He actually put whole sentences together throughout the session. How do you assess his performance? Why, in your opinion, is he unable to talk that clearly more often?
Dan Froomkin: I think his performance was excellent.
I have long argued that Bush was ultimately not well served by his bubble.
With the bubble gone, Bush actually seemed much more... presidential.
I'm not sure, but I think you also saw a complete absence of the cheap rhetorical tricks that were his staples during the campaign: The straw-man arguments, the false choices, the blatant mischaracterization of his opponents.
Maybe I'm just in shock, and I'll regret this in the morning. But I think this election has been very good for him.
Washington: I think that Bush is working to make sure that the GOP has a comeback in 2008. He is a politician after all, and knows he has to play to different constituencies.
Dan Froomkin: I don't think that's what's going on at all.
I think he's thinking about his legacy.
I think he's realizing (and he said this several times today) that if he wants to get anything done at all during these next two years, he's going to have to work with Democrats.
I think he realizes he's got to change course in Iraq, because what's going on now isn't working.
Laurel, Md.: Is it possible that a President who can't be re-elected and a Congress that's been out of power for 12 years might actually deal seriously about Social Security reform or energy independence?
Dan Froomkin: Look, I'm giddy. But I'm not that giddy.
You'll notice that when asked directly whether he was willing to pull "partial privatization" of Social Security off the table, as an act of comity, he refused to say.
Austin, Tex.: So what happens to "The Boy Genius," "Architect," a.k.a. "Turd Blossom"? Will he keep his office in the West Wing or will he suddenly want to spend more time with his family?
Dan Froomkin: Who knows? Bush poked gentle fun at Rove today, in what I think was the funniest line of the day. Mike Allen of Time asked how Bush's book-reading contest with Rove was going.
Bush said Rove was winning, then deadpanned: "I obviously was working harder on the campaign than he was."
I would never have predicted Rove could ever be in Bush's doghouse. And maybe he's not.
But then again, I'm hearing chatter on MSNBC to the effect that the White House is telling reporters on background that Bush accepted Rumsfeld's resignation against Vice President Cheney's objections! And then decided to replace him with Gates -- a realist in the mold of Bush's father -- rather than a neoconservative ideologue as Cheney wanted.
Rove and Cheney on the outs? Karen Hughes sighted on Marine One? (See
Do you think Rumsfeld would be staying if Republicans had held the House?
Cheney is now without a significant lever of his influence. What do you think he's thinking in South Dakota, and do you expect him to resign within the next two years?
Dan Froomkin: For what it's worth, Bush said Rumsfeld was going either way.
But as I just noted above, this appears to be a huge loss of influence for Cheney.
I won't speculate about Cheney's future except to say that there will inevitably be a lot of speculation about Cheney's future.
Oh, and I wouldn't want to be out hunting with him today. Would you?
Burke, Va.: I think when a guy is shielded from reality -- like Bush has been for a good deal of the last six years -- and is surrounded by guys who tell him that the sun is shining, and that the wet stuff is just liquid sunshine -- a hard slap of reality can be helpful. It's possible, just possible, that Bush looked at the election results, and looked around at some of the dopes around him, and said, "Well, if you guys could be that wrong about the election, I wonder what ELSE you might be wrong about?"
Maybe piercing the bubble will be helpful.
Dan Froomkin: I just wonder who he'll turn to now?
Washington, D.C.: The cynic in me can't help but think the Rumsfeld announcement was timed to take away some of the glory and airtime for the Dems.
Dan Froomkin: I would agree, but they're kvelling. Rumsfeld's scalp is their first trophy.
Ithaca, N.Y.: Don't you think Bush would have been better off "accepting the resignation" during the campaign? That would have helped take it off the table as an issue.
Dan Froomkin: No, I think it would have brought the stink of doubt and failure to his campaign. It would have undermined "Campaigner Bush's" central shtick, which was that the fundamental strategy is sound and will lead to victory. Opponents of the war would have felt vindicated, supporters would have felt betrayed. Things might have gone even worse for them.
Valley Forge, Pa.: WOW! It seems that whatever the Baker Commission comes up with will be the future course of the Iraq effort, and maybe that was the plan all along. Reasonable assessment?
Can you speculate as to Gates' philosophy?
Did it seem to you as if President Bush has written off control of the Senate to the Dems?
I felt Bush came awfully close to endorsing the Iraq Study Group, sight unseen. (Well, probably not sight unseen.)
Gates of course is one of the
And I know almost nothing about him.
Bush certainly didn't say anything specific about what Gates's leadership would mean to the war. And he did say one thing that bears scrutiny.
Describing Gates's philosophy, Bush said something like: "He understands that defeat is not an option in Iraq."
By contrast, if Gates is truly a realist, he understands that victory is not an option in Iraq.
And lastly, yes, he kept on talking about the Democrats controlling the committees, etc. etc. -- it sure sounded like he's given up the Senate, too.
NYC: Dan Froomkin: I just wonder who he'll turn to now?
Dan Froomkin: Nothing wrong with talking to the dog.
Clearwater, Fla.: Come on Dan. You've watched this guy for six plus years. Do you really believe all this "new Bush" nonsense? Have you finally drunk the Kool-Aid? Do you believe for a minute that he would exhibit that attitude if he hadn't just had his butt handed to him? Let's see how charming he is when faced with legislation to restore some of the legal and Constitutional rights he was so anxious to destroy.
Dan Froomkin: My argument is not that he would have behaved like this if he hadn't had his butt handed to him; my argument is that having his butt handed to him may be having a positive effect on him.
That said, your point is excellent. Let's see what happens.
Wilmington, N.C.: "I think he realizes he's got to change course in Iraq, because what's going on now isn't working."
Let's not get carried away now. You expect a 180 on three years of central policy? Mark my words, we will be having this same conversation about leaving Iraq in November 2008.
Dan Froomkin: The worst thing about Iraq is that even a 180 wouldn't solve the problem. You need a time machine.
So for the record, I expect neither a 180 nor a quick withdrawal. I may be giddy, but I'm not stupid.
Rich; Hayward, Calif.: Hey Dan,
Perhaps this is the actual human being Bush, suddenly realizing that surrounding himself with the sour and divisive Rove-Cheney-Rumsfeld was a big mistake -- a gamble that paid dividends in the short term, but spelled long-term doom for his legacy as an actual leader of a nation.
Dan Froomkin: You, too, are giddy!
Austin, Tex.: Karl Rove told us he was looking at different polls than the rest the country and the Republicans were going to win. On Nov. 8 is Karl Rove?
C. Just doing his job as cheerleader-in-chief.
Washington, D.C.: Did anyone ask Bush about that whole "a win for the Democrats is a win for terrorists" shtick?
Dan Froomkin: Yes. He shrugged it off as another artifact of the campaign.
San Ramon, Calif.: Dan Froomkin: I just wonder who he'll turn to now?
Isn't it apparent he's turning to his FATHER? First, calling upon James Baker to figure a way out of Iraq. Now, calling upon Robert Gates to carry out Baker's plan?
Los Angeles: Looks like Rove forgot to refill his Rx for genius pills. Do you think we have seen the end of the Republicans talking down to the citizenry?
Dan Froomkin: Maybe that's what it was: Bush wasn't talking down today, at least not nearly as much as usual. He was just talking.
Bethesda, Md.: D: A Liar.
Chicago: Is someone ever going to ask Bush why he (and admittedly almost every other Republican) insists on referring to the "Democrat Party" and the "Democrat leader," etc., as he did in almost his first words at the press conference today?
Dan Froomkin: I think someone should.
He did in fact continue to use that term today, when it's an obvious attempt to be derogatory to the Democratic Party. (The subtle message: They're not democratic.) Didn't fit with the rest of his message.
So which one is sincere?
Regarding your statement: Maybe I'm just in shock, and I'll regret this in the morning. But I think this election has been very good for him.
Perhaps your expectations are lowered? He still repeated himself and sounded defensive, with some high pitches. His jokes were funny and his dig at Rove took me a bit by surprise.
Dan Froomkin: That's a possibility.
Rumsfeld resigns: Now maybe all the wackos will stop being afraid that Bush will appoint Lieberman in order to shift the balance of power in the Senate.
Dan Froomkin: Yup. The more likely thing for "wackos" to fear is that Lieberman will stay in the Senate -- but bolt the Democratic party.
Central, Tex.: I wonder if Karl Rove's ultra-divisive tactics that kept the Bush presidency afloat for the past 6 years are entirely dependent on having control of the Congress - If that's the case, it'll be interesting to see what he comes up with now that he can't thumb his nose at the Dems without legislative repercussions.
Dan Froomkin: Interesting, indeed. They had no need to work with the Democrats, so the demonizing was just a win-win.
Philadelphia: Do you in any way feel personal vindication today?
Dan Froomkin: I don't advocate partisan causes.
As a concerned journalist, I do, however, advocate accountability and oversight. I've been distressed about Bush's state of denial. And I've advocated that he be more straightforward with the public.
So to that extent, today is bringing more than a little vindication, yes.
3825 Wisconsin: E. All of the above
I really don't understand how anybody could say that President Bush was anything but a babbling idiot during his news conference today. He was defensive, argumentative and down-right rude throughout the ordeal. Where you watching the same news conference I was?
Dan Froomkin: Maybe I was suffering from low blood sugar.
Sewickley, Pa.: Dan, the Rumsfeld resignation reinforces for our military family that the troops in the field are paying every step of the way for decisions that driven by a political timetable. Do you think the president's credibility is salvageable?
Dan Froomkin: That's another danger of the Rumsfeld resignation. Here Bush has been saying things on the ground in Iraq don't change for political reasons, then does something very big that certainly looks political. But you'd rather he "stayed the course"?
Vetoes or constitutional crisis?: Let's pretend Congress passes legislation that Bush does not care for. Does he repeatedly whip out the veto pen or does he create ever more comprehensive signing statements? And then act on them creating a Constitutional showdown?
Dan Froomkin: Well, there's nothing unconstitutional about exercising his veto.
Berkeley, Calif.: In his comments today, the President told the terrorists not to rejoice, the Iraqis not to worry, and the troops not to be doubtful. This is perhaps not as overt as saying a vote for the Democrats was a vote for terrorists (the campaign is over, don't you know), but it is not a very conciliatory note to start off his last two years. He also continued his strawman arguments about the Democrats' point of view (i.e., that they do not want to provide the tools for the war on terror). Does he still think he can bully Congress?
Dan Froomkin: You could see it that way. You could also see it as his way of saying to the terrorists and the Iraqis and the troops that "Campaigner Bush" was just full of baloney.
You're definitely right about the straw man, though. But I think that was the only one, in 45 whole minutes!
Washington, D.C.: Dan you advocate accountability, and that happens in elections. Like yesterday's. It also happened in 2004. You just didn't like the result of that one, and it's been crystal clear in every one of your chats. Your opinions are ideologically based and it would be nice if you would be honest with the rest of us and admit it.
Dan Froomkin: You are welcome to believe that.
When I was talking about accountability, I wasn't talking about the election itself as much as I was about there being a Congress which will now actually conduct oversight. There is no way you can argue that the 2004 election resulted in any of that.
Lake Forest, Calif.: Hello.....I think Nancy Pelosi should write a letter requesting that the President no longer refer to the "Democrat Party". Not only is it insulting to the leaders of the party it is insulting to all of us who belong to the Democratic Party.
Thank you for your time.
Dan Froomkin: I wonder if that will come up over lunch.
Vienna, Va.: Oh please if y'all are so worried about the words "Democrat Party" stuff, you need to take off and go get a drink.
And let's give it a few days before we judge everyone's sincerity. Democratic leaders haven't exactly been eager to play cooperative before -- witness Leahy's stalling on judges -- but maybe there will proof enough in the pudding for everyone.
With that cliche dispensed with, I'm opening the bottle. Dan, want some?
Dan Froomkin: Yes, let's not jump to conclusions quite yet. Thanks.
And yeah, apparently my blood sugar is low. So cheers!
Iowa: What hearings are likely to take place first as Congress belatedly begins exercising some oversight? Supposedly Cheney has said he would not respond if (when?) a House committee subpoenaed him for information.
Dan Froomkin: There's a lot of oversight that can be done without subpoenaing the White House.
Here's one good list, from Andrew Rudalevige, author of 'The New Imperial Presidency,' over on my other Web site, NiemanWatchdog.org.
Bethesda, Md.: Compare and contrast Bush's "plain speaking, when I say it I mean it" persona with his "say what I need to today and say something else tomorrow" persona.
Ballston, Va.: Allow me to interject myself into this liberal groupthink for a sec. If Rummy had resigned before the election, Froomkin and the rest of the WH press corps would have been howling that this was a cheap political stunt designed to save face just before a bad election. The fact that the announcement was deferred until after the election was probably a prudent recognition that there was no way Dubya could win on this politically because his motives would be picked apart regardless of what he did or when he did it.
Dan Froomkin: I don't entirely disagree with that.
Bethesda, Md.: I completely agree with you. The president's demeanor was totally different. I found it particularly interesting when he suggested that he was looking forward to seeing the legislation that will be crafted by both Democrats and republicans. Of course in the formally Republican house, Democrats were not able to submit or contribute to the legislation.
Dan Froomkin: I'm so relieved. I was starting to worry that I had made the whole thing up.
Karl Rove: I think cheerleader-in-chief. There is no way they didn't anticipate losing the House. I think the routing was worse than they expected, and you're right, I think the "thumpin" was a wake up call to Bush. We still won't like a lot of what he does, but I have hope he won't be as extreme.
Bethesda, Md.: I don't get your idea that "Campaigner Bush" can just say whatever he wants because, you know, he's campaigning. Perhaps he can wear a sign that tells us when he's campaigning (or, you know, lying).
Dan Froomkin: I didn't say it was OK.
But I like the idea of a sign.
Barcelona, Spain: Throughout the campaign the President and other White House officials have granted exclusive interviews to several journalists/talk-show hosts/bloggers, all or practically all of which represent conservative media outlets or are openly Republican partisans. Couldn't this form of discrimination by the Executive be considered somewhat undemocratic? If the answer is yes, how come (apparently) nobody in the press has raised the issue?
Dan Froomkin: Undemocratic? No. Incredibly self-serving for the White House, certainly. And a profound example of how having a thriving, shameless right-wing media is a tremendous asset to a Republican president.
I do think the very existence of these interviews merited more attention from the traditional media and the public. Can anyone conceive of a Democratic president agreeing only to speak to lickspittles? Indeed, are there any left-wing major media figures who would ask softball after softball of a Democrat, like Bush can expect from these guys?
Also, as a journalist, I'm horrified. Even right-wing journalists (real journalists) could come up with plenty of tough questions for Bush. These guys were almost entirely acting as partisans, not journalists.
Pittsburgh, Pa.: I work in an office full of Republicans so I am trying very hard not to gloat, its not easy!....my question is, now that the Democrats have a majority in Congress and perhaps the Senate - can we overturn, throw out, re-do - whatever - the Military Commissions Act? What would that entail? Dan - thanks so much for all of your hard work - without your column I would not have made it to November 7th!
Dan Froomkin: Glad I could help.
There may be only so much Democrats can do. They certainly don't have a veto-proof majority in either House.
Could they pass something that Bush would sign? Hard to imagine. But if Bush isn't listening to Cheney anymore....
New Haven, Conn.: On the subject of Cheney leaving -- don't you think he'll stay just to make impeaching Bush less palatable to the Dems?
Dan Froomkin: Funny. It is certainly a powerful disincentive for them now.
Kinder, Gentler Dubya and Immigration: One reporter hit on a key subject: Bush may actually be relieved that a Democrat Congress is more likely to work with him on immigration reform.
Cynical, USA: Here's my take on the Rumsfeld ouster. He is getting the boot to deny the Dems a chance to question him at official Congressional hearings. Now they gotta talk to the new guy.
Washington, D.C.: Is this new Bush perhaps inspired on the Gov. Arnold Schwartzenegger playbook on how to recover from really bad elections? About a year ago everyone was writing off the Gov. following his electoral rout.
Dan Froomkin: If there were a New Bush, then New Ahnold would definitely be a potential source of inspiration. Good point.
Boca Raton, Fla.: How much longer is Karl Rove's shelf life?
I personally do not see a position for him any longer, do you?
Dan Froomkin: "Shelf Life" -- I think that's a good new nickname for Karl Rove.
OK, thanks everyone for all the wonderful questions and comments. Come back tomorrow to read my column (which is on the home page every weekday afternoon). Maybe I'll have made sense of some of this by then.
Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.
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L.A. Times Editor Fired as Tribune Co. Remakes Itself
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Los Angeles Times Editor Dean Baquet, who publicly told the parent Tribune Co. that he would not make more cuts in his newsroom, was forced out of his job yesterday, another example of the economic pressures afflicting large media companies.
The departure comes one month after former Times publisher Jeff Johnson was fired by Tribune for siding with Baquet and refusing to make more money-saving cuts after having made significant trims over the past few years.
Tribune, like all other major newspaper companies, has watched ad revenue and circulation slide in recent years, as readers increasingly turn to cable television and the Internet for news and information.
The Times' future is further muddied by the in-play status of Tribune, which has put itself up for sale and may have a single new owner or be split into parts. In addition to the Times, Tribune owns 11 newspapers, 25 television stations and the Chicago Cubs.
Baquet, 50, will be replaced by Chicago Tribune Managing Editor James O'Shea on Monday, Publisher David D. Hiller, who replaced Johnson, wrote in an e-mail to Times staffers. Baquet will leave the paper this week and was not commenting yesterday.
In an e-mail to staffers yesterday, Hiller wrote that he and Baquet "concluded that we have significant differences on future direction, and so Dean will be leaving."
Hiller did not mention additional cuts or layoffs, but wrote that he does "not have a definite view of staffing levels across the company" and that those numbers are being worked out as the paper comes up with a 2007 budget.
"Everybody gets to choose whether this is a direction they can support, and do so with excellence and passion," Hiller wrote. "But decide we all must, because the last thing we can stand is confusion on our mission and objectives. It's going to be hard enough as it is."
Now, as a high-profile journalism martyr -- Baquet was willing to sacrifice his job rather than make cuts he deemed harmful to his paper's news coverage -- he may entertain job offers from other news organizations, as well as foundations and think tanks.
His firing becomes a symbol of the current struggle that newspapers and all traditional media face: As they struggle with shrinking audiences and convert to digital delivery -- be it online or on handheld devices -- they must cut costs. Though online advertising revenue is growing, newspaper Web sites account for at most only 10 percent of a big newspaper's advertising revenue. That's not enough to support the staff size most newspapers have grown accustomed to over the past half-century, when they enjoyed local monopolies on news and advertising distribution.
The tough times are not limited to newspapers. Struggling television network NBC, for instance, said last month it would cut 700 jobs and slash $750 million from its budget by the end of 2008 to help pay for the network's conversion to digital delivery of television programming.
Baquet had been negotiating with Tribune Co. executives since Johnson's departure, and the two sides could not agree on the number of required newsroom staff cuts. Baquet had planned to announce he was leaving Thursday, but the news leaked out yesterday.
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Los Angeles Times Editor Dean Baquet, who publicly told the parent Tribune Co. that he would not make more cuts in his newsroom, was forced out of his job yesterday, another example of the economic pressures afflicting large media companies.
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Safety by Design
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Clarksburg High School Principal James Koutsos has an expansive view from his front office: the parking lot, the front entrance and, with just a few steps, the hallway that funnels 960 students to class each day. The $52 million building, which opened in August, is energy efficient, aesthetically pleasing and designed with security in mind.
The placement of the office makes it difficult for visitors to slip into the building unnoticed. The open stairwell in the front hall, visible from the window of the security team leader's office, makes it easier to keep an eye on students.
It is a legacy of the 1999 shootings at Columbine High School, which left 15 people dead and altered the idea of school as a safe place. In an increasing number of schools, security drives decisions about everything from where to place the principal's office to what kinds of locks and windows are selected.
"Twenty years ago, there just weren't these things to worry about," said Joel Sims, an architect who specializes in school design.
Though school shootings are relatively rare, a spate of violent incidents in Colorado, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania in the past few months has renewed discussion about what is being done to keep children safe. Last month, President Bush convened a school safety summit in Chevy Chase, and the Maryland state legislature created a 19-member Task Force on School Safety.
In the post-Columbine era, schools have devoted resources to fostering a more welcoming environment for students: establishing anti-bullying programs, setting up anonymous tip lines and beefing up counseling staff as a means of reaching out to kids who might feel isolated or alienated from their peers. School safety experts agree that is a wise investment. Kids who feel a sense of belonging are less likely to act out, some say, and those who have good relationships with teachers and administrators are more likely to report a problem.
But educators have found that more must be done. In two of the three most recent school violence incidents, it was a stranger, not a student, doing the shooting.
In Colorado, Gov. Bill Owens (R) said security features added during the 2001 renovation of Platte Canyon High School allowed officials to quickly isolate the gunman who entered the school in September and prevent him from harming more students. Duane Morrison took six students hostage before killing one and committing suicide.
Architects who design schools say much can be done to improve security. There was a time when the principal's office would be located upstairs in the middle of a wing of classrooms. The idea was to make the administrator's office the "hub" of the school, said Paul Abramson, a school facilities consultant with Stanton, Leggett and Associates in New York.
"Today we would not do that,'' he said. "One of the things that has become a touchstone of all design is you now put the office right up front so you can't easily get through without going through there.''
Sims, the architect who specializes in school design, has created a smart schools design initiative that includes eliminating dead-end hallways, nooks and crannies. It also incorporates glass into the design to give a sense of openness and convey the message that people are watching.
"It's a huge challenge for architects to take security into account and to provide something that doesn't look like you're walking into a prison,'' said Kerry Leonard, chair of the American Institute of Architects committee on architecture and education. Advances in technology, however, make it easier for features such as metal detectors to be built directly into walls or to place surveillance cameras in ceilings, he said.
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Clarksburg High School Principal James Koutsos has an expansive view from his front office: the parking lot, the front entrance and, with just a few steps, the hallway that funnels 960 students to class each day. The $52 million building, which opened in August, is energy efficient, aesthetically...
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Archuleta Addresses Sub-Par Season
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On a Saturday night last March, Adam Archuleta, Antwaan Randle El, Todd Collins and Andre Carter were welcomed in style by the Washington Redskins' coaches and upper management, including owner Daniel Snyder. A multiple-limousine convoy shuttled the group to Morton's for filet mignon and seafood, and to a Washington Wizards game, where they received a standing ovation when their faces were shown on the scoreboard.
It was a glittering evening in an offseason that stoked expectations, a moment of smart-spending muscle that would be remembered when the Redskins met those expectations on the field.
Archuleta was the handpicked choice of assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams, but those days in March when he would conceptualize with Williams until the late hours -- the courtship culminated in a six-year, $30 million contract with $10 million guaranteed, a record for a safety -- have been the high point for him in Washington.
Yesterday at Redskins Park, Archuleta spoke for the first time in detail about losing his starting job to the newly acquired Troy Vincent, as well as his difficult adjustment to no longer being merely a member of a football team, but a high-profile free agent signing whose every move on the field is scrutinized.
"I wasn't born with a silver spoon, so to come in here with this high-profile situation was, well, I'm not used to that," Archuleta said. "I allowed that as well as other things to be a distraction, and let those things get in the way of truly what is important, and really who I am and what I've done to get to this point in my career and be the kind of player I was. I kind of lost sight of that."
Earlier in the season, defensive lineman Phillip Daniels said he spoke to Carter -- who also signed a $30 million deal that March weekend -- and to a lesser extent Archuleta about the trappings that come with being the big-money signings of an offseason. Daniels said the psychological impact of receiving a big contract by itself could force a talented player to fail.
In a sense, Archuleta has become the symbol of a high-priced but underachieving defense. Even though the defense has been leaky in numerous areas, at linebacker and especially the pass rush -- no team in football has produced fewer sacks per play than the Redskins -- Archuleta was the only regular to lose his job. Even so, Archuleta is third on the team in tackles with 54 (behind Marcus Washington and Sean Taylor, who each have 55) and leads the team in solo tackles with 44.
"Every player has strengths and weaknesses, and in my opinion and in the opinion of a lot of other people, I excel underneath," he said. "A lot of people said, and I've come under a lot criticism over my career that I can't cover, that I can't do this and I can't do that. Do I agree with it? No. Are there a lot of other safeties who are better in the passing game than me? Absolutely.
"Unfortunately, our secondary has given up some big plays this year and I've been a part of that. But ultimately, it's my responsibility."
After Sunday's win, the Redskins again fell in the NFL defensive rankings. Washington was 26th in total yards allowed per game entering the game but now is 30th, ahead of the 4-4 New York Jets and 2-6 Tennessee Titans. Of the 19 defensive categories the league charts, the Redskins are 29th or worse in seven, including last in yards allowed per pass play, interceptions and sacks per pass play.
Archuleta said it was painful to not be on the field as a regular for the first time in eight games with Washington.
"Yeah, that's an understatement, but this is the way things are meant to be," he said. "I've always had detractors and people trying to pull me down my whole life, and this is one more thing. To me, it's one more obstacle, and this will make me a better player, a stronger player. And you better believe I will come back and play the way I'm capable of playing."
Some of what Archuleta said was guarded, as he clearly was unwilling to engage beyond a certain level of detail. He has not been happy in Washington, and some teammates have said he is playing with such broken confidence that even routine plays have become difficult.
"There are a lot of things. There's a lot of parts to the equation. There's some things I really don't need to get into at this point, but at the end of the day it's my responsibility. It's up to me, and when I'm on the field I have to play well. It's my responsibility to myself and to my teammates when I'm out there that I have to make plays. Ultimately, the responsibility belongs to me."
In Sunday's win, Archuleta played mostly in third-down passing situations that featured six defensive backs, while Vincent played at safety in the base formations and those that featured five defensive backs, with Kenny Wright as the nickel back. Williams said after the game that this would be part of Archuleta's new role, to be what Williams called a "hybrid safety-hybrid linebacker." On some of the big plays this season, Archuleta has been beaten in zone coverage, often by a play-action fake, but he said he isn't confused by the complexity of Williams's defense.
"Do I think this scheme is that complex? In reality, it's not. There are fundamentals and basics. There's a lot of disguising, a lot of camouflaging and window dressing," he said. "But when you really strip it down, the fundamentals are the fundamentals. And as a player, I made things a lot more complex than they actually were, and that's my fault.
"It's been an up-and-down year. I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I've had a lot of adversity thrown my way. And for whatever reason, this is the situation that presented itself. This is the way things are meant to be. It's just a matter of me getting back to who I am and what's important to me and playing the game the way I see it, through my eyes and not through someone else's, and it will work out."
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Info on Washington Redskins including the 2005 NFL Preview. Get the latest game schedule and statistics for the Redskins. Follow the Washington Redskins under the direction of Coach Joe Gibbs.
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Army Revamps How Information Is Deemed Classified
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U.S. Army intelligence has developed a new blueprint for standardizing the way national security information is classified, recognizing that determining whether a particular document is "confidential" or "top secret" is ultimately up to the judgment of individuals, according to a memo distributed last month by Lt. Gen. John F. Kimmons, the Army's deputy chief of staff.
The memo states that presidential directives and Army regulations that provide the basis for classification of security information are "broad and not clearly defined," so that the responsible individual's "determination of security classification is purely subjective."
The comments offer a rare view of one service's methods for classifying information at a time of debate over government openness. In the past few years, the leaking of classified information has been the subject of congressional investigations, criminal indictments and Supreme Court decisions, but almost no attention has been focused on what information has become classified and how that system works.
"Over classification is costly, inefficient and can cause slow downs to development/operation," the Army memo says. "Under classification," it adds, "can cause compromise, inadvertent disclosures and confusion."
The memo notes that even when a document within the Army system is deemed unclassified, that "does not mean that it is automatically releaseable to the public." A category called "Controlled Unclassified Information" allows information to be protected from public view. This category includes the label "For Official Use Only," which can involve things such as "internal rules and practices of the agency," trade secrets, intra-agency memos that "are part of the decision-making process" and records that invade a person's privacy.
The memo also says a compilation of individually unclassified items can be considered classified "if the compiled information reveals an additional association or relationship" that otherwise would not be apparent.
But before even unclassified information can be released, according to the memo, "a competent authority, specifically the Public Affairs Officer, must review and determine that the information is releasable to the public."
The Army memorandum attempts to describe the harm to national security or to U.S. foreign relations that would result from unauthorized disclosure of various types of classified information. The label "confidential" is put on information that, if disclosed, would result in "damage" to national security; "secret" when disclosure would result in "serious damage"; or "top secret" when it would cause "exceptionally grave damage."
These categories do not include even higher levels of classification, such as "Sensitive Compartmented Information," which normally refers to intelligence gathered electronically that, if disclosed, could result in the loss of sensitive sources or methods of collection.
"Failure to classify correctly has consequences," said Steven Aftergood, who disclosed the Army memo on his Secrecy News Web site ( http://www.fas.org/blog/secrecy ). "But getting it right is easier said than done, because it involves the conscious exercise of informed judgment."
Many of the criteria for classification are obvious, such as if the information's loss would reveal military plans or open senior leadership to a terrorist attack. But others are much more ambiguous.
For example, the memo states that information would be "confidential" if its loss "could threaten the international position of the U.S.," an outcome it further defines as damaging "U.S. credibility with a foreign government."
Information would be "secret" if its disclosure "would weaken the international position of the U.S.," which is defined as causing a "negative impact to the international position of the U.S. and its ability to negotiate with foreign governments." Information would be considered "top secret" if disclosure would "significantly weaken" the U.S. position, meaning it would result in the "inability of the U.S. to successfully negotiate with a foreign government for a significant period of time."
Another element in the Army memorandum is the suggestion that if a document contains information meeting two different categories of "confidential," it could be classified as "secret." And if it has two different "secret" pieces of information, it could be classified as "top secret."
The Army is seeking to set its classification standards at the same time that Director of National Intelligence John D. Negroponte has part of his staff working to establish common classification standards for the 16 agencies that make up the intelligence community so they can share one another's secret information.
A spokesman for Negroponte's office declined to comment on the Army document.
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U.S. Army intelligence has developed a new blueprint for standardizing the way national security information is classified, recognizing that determining whether a particular document is "confidential" or "top secret" is ultimately up to the judgment of individuals, according to a memo distributed...
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South Dakotans Reject Tough Abortion Ban
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South Dakotans rejected a toughest-in-the-nation law that would have banned virtually all abortions, even in cases of rape and incest -- defeating one of the most high-profile state measures facing voters Tuesday.
The outcome was a blow to conservatives, who also had cause for worry in Arizona. An amendment to ban gay marriage was trailing there with returns nearly complete; it would be the first defeat for such a measure after prevailing in more than two dozen states in recent years.
Five states approved increases in their minimum wage, while Arizona passed four measures targeting illegal immigrants, including one making English the state's official language. In Michigan, voters took a swipe at affirmative action, deciding that race and gender should not be factors in deciding who gets into public universities or who gets hired for government work.
In Missouri, returns were too close to call on a proposed amendment allowing stem cell research. It had been a factor in the crucial Senate race there, with incumbent Republican Jim Talent opposing the measure and Democratic challenger Claire McCaskill supporting it.
Nationwide, a total of 205 measures were on the ballots in 37 states, but none had riveted political activists across the country like the South Dakota abortion measure. Passed overwhelmingly by the legislature earlier this year, it would have allowed abortion only to save a pregnant woman's life.
Lawmakers had hoped the ban would be challenged in court, provoking litigation that might eventually lead to a U.S. Supreme Court reversal of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion.
Jan Nicolay, a leader of the state's anti-ban campaign, said voters viewed the measure as too intrusive.
"We believe South Dakotans can make these decisions themselves," she said. "They don't have to have somebody telling them what that decision needs to be."
Eight states had ban-gay-marriage amendments on their ballots: Idaho, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin approved them, while results were pending in Arizona, Colorado and South Dakota. Similar amendments have passed previously in all 20 states to consider them.
Colorado voters had an extra option _ a measure that would grant domestic-partnership rights to same-sex couples.
Conservatives had hoped the same-sex marriage bans might increase turnout for Republicans. Democrats looked for a boost from low-income voters turning out on behalf of measures to raise the state minimum wage in six states. The wage hike passed in Arizona, Missouri, Montana, Ohio and Nevada; results were pending in Colorado.
In Missouri, a proposed amendment allowing stem cell research was a factor in the crucial Senate race there; incumbent Republican Jim Talent opposed the measure, while Democratic challenger Claire McCaskill supported it.
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South Dakotans rejected a toughest-in-the-nation law that would have banned virtually all abortions, even in cases of rape and incest?-- defeating one of the most high-profile state measures facing voters Tuesday.
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Chatological Humor* (Updated 11.10.06)
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Daily Updates: 11.08.06 | 11.09.06 | 11.10.06
Gene Weingarten's controversial humor column, Below the Beltway , appears every Sunday in the Washington Post Magazine. He aspires to someday become a National Treasure, but is currently more of a National Gag Novelty Item, like rubber dog poo.
He is online, at any rate, each Tuesday, to take your questions and abuse.
This week's poll: Men | Women
Weingarten is the author of "The Hypochondriac's Guide to Life. And Death" and co-author of "I'm with Stupid," with feminist scholar Gina Barreca. "Below the Beltway" is now syndicated nationally by The Washington Post Writers Group .
New to Chatological Humor? Read the FAQ .
Now that it is too late to help the evil ones, I can reveal my son's brilliant prescription for a surprise Republican win today. We were watching TV last week, where the news was bleak for Bush, reporting that he was having a hard time finding candidates who wanted to appear with him. He'd get to Republican campaign events, and the candidate would, like, hide in the bathroom until he left. He was reduced to appearing either with candidates who were basically unopposed, or candidates whose campaigns were so far down the pooper it didn't really matter if they lost another dozen percentage points or so. He was like the geek legacy at a frat party... go over there, talk to Fnyoosh.
So, Dan is watching this and says, "You know what Bush should do? He should start campaigning for Democrats."
It would have been the political masterstroke of the new century! Bush shows up at a Webb campaign appearance, glad-handing, back-patting, posing thumbs-up behind the candidate for a killer photo-op. He could have flipped eight or nine presumptive Dem victories in a single whistlestop weekend.
I'm not going to write a single snarky or disrespectful sentence about the tragic happenings that have befallen evangelist Ted Haggard, as they are so sad and tragic and everything. A poem would be better.
Got a massage but says
Bought but used none of the
God, the man's guilty of
Now it would seem that quite
Teddy has got in a
Thank you Michael Sewell for this excellent headline .
And on the aptonym front, thank you to the dozens of people who alerted me to this line, from The Post:
Nearly a third of currently fished species are already in a state of collapse, said Boris Worm , a marine conservation biologist at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the study's lead author.
Also, Curtis Edmonds found this in the Dallas Morning News:
The past doesn't matter to Woods. He looks at this year's OSU offense like it's the lottery, only everybody's a winner. "Coach Fedora pulls a name out of a hat and goes with it," Woods said.
Sarah Doelp, followed by several other women, and no men, pointed out the horror in this FBOFW last week. Is there any man who can find it?
April is in a ladies room, wearing no shoes. --
Please take today's poll. Some of you have either guessed or researched who the comic is. I will be able to explain, midway through, where so many of you screwed up.
The Comic Pick of the Week is Sunday's Watch Your Head . First Runner Up is Sunday's Baby Blues . Honorables: Saturday's Baby Blues . Saturday's Mother Goose and Grimm .
Special commendation to Monday's Sally Forth , which can only be interpreted as a penis joke.
I hope you all noticed that Friday's Zippy was the embodiment of an entry in the Style Invitational, by Jay Shuck.
Please critique Sunday's Opus . What does it mean, and is it good? You are entering a debate that has already started between me and someone else.
Arlington, Va.: Do you think people's opinions would change if you told them when the jokes were from?
Gene Weingarten: Well, maybe. This guy died in 1994.
Earlybird: wow, I was the second person to vote in the pole (men). Does that make me a loser?
Also, the first person to vote was wrong about which bit was the funniest. Wrong, or a woman taking the men's poll. The funniest line is the one about Satan mowing the lawn.
Gene Weingarten: You said "pole (men)".
I was the first. I was not wrong. But you were not way off.
Allentown, Pa.: I loved the argument from your friend's brother in the updates last week: "Here's the thing -- when people say 'being gay is a CHOICE', we need to remember that RELIGION is a choice."
It leads me to think, why not just make "gay" a religion? Stranger things have happened; in the last British census Star Wars fans tried to get "Jedi" declared a religion by having enough people claim it as their faith when surveyed.
Just imagine it: a religion with fashionable vestments, hymns with a good bass beat, and being caught with a male escort being not such a big deal.
Gene Weingarten: Could we make "smartass" a religion, too? I could use the tax break.
Portland, Ore.: That's Denis Leary, with one "n," Mr. Editor Man. You stepped on one of the best jokes. Certainly the most enjoyably vicious.
Gene Weingarten: Ah. Well, I would argue that it's not exactly stepping on the joke.
Gene Weingarten: Speaking of which, did you call catch that u-tube thing of Denis Leary at the Redsox game? "We got two Jews"? It was in my update a few weeks ago. Lizzie, can we re-post? It's great. It is the first time I've actually liked Denis Leary.
washingtonpost.com: Leary and Clarke ( YouTube.com )
Gene Weingarten: The great thing about this: The regular announcers are simply beside themselves. What Leary is doing is SO beyond the pale. He is going where they are never, ever permitted to go.
Washington, DC: Gene, I don't know where else to turn for an answer to this, but it's a serious question and all that (i.e., (1) it's absolutely true, and (2) I'm not a crackpot). Okay, here goes:
Some time ago, my friend and I, after making a model of the U.S. Supreme Court out of potatoes as an apartment-warming gift for her then-boyfriend (now her husband, in spite of that), we had some leftover potatoes. So we put one of them on the windshield of his car, which was parked outside. Fine. But then something weird happened: the next time we went out to his car, about two days later, we saw that a part of his car was absolutely covered in bird droppings within about a two-foot radius of the potato. The potato was uneaten/unpecked, and the rest of the car was generally untouched, bird dropping-wise. So, um, are there any ornithologists in the house who could explain this bird behavior? If it helps, this happened in D.C., so maybe it's a pigeon thing or something. All I know is it happened about five years ago, and it still freaks us out.
Gene Weingarten: I will put this out there. The potatoes were outside the car, not inside, right?
Double Dactyl Deception: I've had enough! If you want to keep DDing, fine, but can you please come up with a new nonsense beginning and stop ripping off "Higgledy Piggledy"? All the best double dactyls have their own twist on the nonsense words that begin them. They're not just filler. They have a point, you know. They can -- though nonsensical -- be relevant to the material at hand. That's the trick.
Gene Weingarten: Absolutely incorrect. They are intended to be nonsensical and it is only the lame who insist on some interior joke. Because it NEVER works.
Leesburg, Va.: Have you had a chance to see Borat? I'm going to see it with a friend tonight, and I'm wondering if it's really as funny as all of these reviewers are saying. You're the expert when it comes to what's funny and what's not, so I figured I would get your opinion.
Gene Weingarten: I will be seeing it this weekend, and will report back.
New Hampshire: This will be the one and only time that I publish what would comprise my dream home. Some key components include: wood paneling around the outside like that of an 80s-era Caravan, a doorbell that plays Gloria Etefan's "1,2,3,4 C'mon Baby" song, garage doors that resembled eye lids. I'd have a hammock attached to a single tree. I'd want a pond with a full time gondolier, the front walk would be a treadmill so it'd be easy to get to the front door while leaving was real hard. I'd want shrubbery like that of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory except that they wouldn't be edible. As for the inside, I would have a room upstairs that had real grass that I could mow, a room with velcro walls, a gauntlet, a kitchen like the one from "Family Ties" that only has three walls and seating for a studio audience. I'd want flammable curtains that would ignite if you said the phrase "nice curtains", I'd want an elevator that started on the second floor and only went to the second floor, the dining room table would be shaped like Rob Reiner. The garage floor would be like a turntable so it could rotate my car so i never would have to back out of the driveway, my front door would be a big rubber flap with a small door on hinges at the bottom for my dog. I would have a family room complete with a real family.
Washington, D.C.: Ha, the News and Observer. I'm down with the Raleigh, N.C. (Go Pack!), but that paper's not that great. We used to call it the Snooze & Disturber.
Gene Weingarten: It is one of the greatest newspapers on Earth.
Opus: The set up is OK, but the second half doesn't make sense. For one thing, an anti-Republican voter is much less likely to have a gun and surely wouldn't point it at someone on their stoop. For another thing, the chuck eggs line doesn't make sense. It's trying too hard.
Gene Weingarten: Okay, but what is it trying to say? What is the point that you say it is missing?
Minneapolis, Minn.: Among the non-partisan candidates for Soil and Water Supervisor, District 2, here in the Twin Cites, is Dan Flo. I voted for him purely on aptonym grounds.
Gene Weingarten: As well you should have.
Draft Card: You still have yours?
You CARRY it in your wallet?
By the way: After serving a year in Viet Nam and a total of three years in the Army, I went by my local draft board to change my draft status. The infamous draft lady yelled at me for losing track of my then irrelevant draft card. I still remember her name over 35 years later. (I am 35 pound heavier today).
Gene Weingarten: Yes, I have two very odd things in my wallet.
The first is my draft card, which I am looking at right now. It reveals I am 5 ten and 145 pounds, and I'm sticking to that. It was filled in on a manual typewriter, dated Oct. 27, 1969. My middle name is Norman. My selective service number was 30751512.
The second odd thing I carry is the actual business card of actual astronaut Steve Smith, the 100th man in space. It says, simply, "Steve Smith -- Astronaut." I figured it might come in handy in a bar one night.
Speaking of which, there is a third odd thing in my wallet. It is a laminated, miniature copy of the degree I purchased for a story several years ago, issued by "Brentwick University." The degree is in "Outer Space Physics." When they send you your degree, which costs $850, they throw in one of these jobbies. Also, presumably, for use in a bar.
"Hey, baby. Come here often? I'm often here when I am not in space. What's that? Yeah, I'm an astronaut, as you can see by this hear card. What do you mean? MANY Jews are named Smith. We are particularly EDUCATED astronauts, as you can see by ...."
Liz, can we link to my Brentwick story, with the sidebar? 1998 or so? It's very weird, but also long, so you may want to leave it for later. Or ignore it altogether.
washingtonpost.com: This is Gene. He's a Little Worried About His Diploma , ( Post, Oct. 15, 2000 )
opus is la, ME: This Opus fails. Rural Republicans are the ones with the guns and the hair-trigger reflexes.
Gene Weingarten: Okay, we've established that is probably an error. I am more interested right now in the point of the strip, and whether it is delivered.
re: Opus: Democrats have no plan; the idea of them having one is funny. Republicans plan is to bomb us all or something like that. Destroy America.
Gene Weingarten: Bomb us all?
doggerel: Your second poem would have been better if you'd used "homo-ironically."
Gene Weingarten: YES!!! Excellent! Consider it done.
DD deception: So if the words at the start of the poem have no meaning what's the point of having them there in the first place? Why not just start the poem with the first line of actual original thought?
I seem to recall that your opinion on knock-knock jokes was that the funniest ones were the ones that broke the rules of knock-knockery.
Gene Weingarten: The idea is to get your brain rolling in a certain meter.
There is a variation of the Double Dactyl called the, um, I forget. But that one requires no gibberish.
Op, US: Seems fairly clear; Dems are pathetic and ineffectual, while GOP is frightening and dangerous. I do think it's pretty good, with the middle panel being a poke at the media's tendency to present a false equivalence, petrified at being perceived as biased.
Gene Weingarten: Yep, that is what was intended. I contended it was too obscure, and confusing. But two people now have intuited it.
McLean, Va.: Mr. Weingarten, it's early morning on voting day, and I can't sleep. This is going to be long, and I apologize, but I had to write to you. I'm scared that today my state is going to vote to deny rights to all single people, gay or straight. The proposed ammendment to the state constitution reads that no unmarried persons will be afforded the same "design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage," including, but not limited to domestic violence statutes and hospital rights. If my boyfriend of 2.5 years slips into a coma, I can't make any decisions for him, even though his parents are 6 hours away.
I don't really know what I'm hoping you will do, except for maybe two things. One, please help me urge people in Virginia to go vote, especially if you will vote no on propisition #1 (the ammendment). And two, Mr. Weingarten, please help me come to terms with the idea of living in Virginia if this ammendment passes. I am a student here, with family and friends, and to leave would be very hard, but I do not see any way to stay in a state that hates gay people so much it would legislate against straight ones just for emphasis. I'm sure there is humor in this somewhere, but I just can't see it.
Thank you for reading this, even if you don't post it.
Gene Weingarten: At the risk of offending you, I am not sure that a girlfriend of 2.5 years should have presumptive life or death decisionmaking power, when there are parents. I can see an enormous potential conflict there. But I suspect that all you and your boyfriend need to do is have a clear and binding contract on this issue, if he wants to. Presumably Amendment one is a default situation, right? Absent any other existing document?
That doesn't address the meat of your very earnest question. And please stop calling me Mr. Weingarten. Of course you can continue living in Virginia. If dissatisfaction with the existing government of a place were reasonable grounds to flee, I'd be in Canada by now. We are living under the worst presidency anyone currently alive has seen. If you feel strongly about this, become an activist.
Woop Woop, Australia: Gene, I said the comedian was "good" and then I read some of his other stuff online. I want to change my answer to "one of the best." I blame you for this, for not choosing his best material. For shame.
Gene Weingarten: I couldn't choose his best material! It's unpublishable.
Yes, this is among the greatest standup comics who ever lived.
Moral dilem, MA: While grocery shopping over the weekend, I used one of the self checkout aisles. I used my ATM card and asked for $35 dollars cash back.
The machine gave me $30, then a few seconds later, spit out $35.
After about a minute of deliberation, I went to customer service, explained the situation, showed my receipt, and returned $30 to the man behind the counter. He seemed stunned by my honesty.
Was I chump to return the extra money? A subsequent check of my bank account informs me that I was indeed not charged for the extra $30, so it would have been free money.
What would you have done in my place? What would other chatters have done?
Gene Weingarten: I might have kept the money, but not out of dishonesty.
I might have kept the money simply because I value my time.
There was always a chance that it had taken all the money from your account, so that if you returned it, you then would have had to come back, with proof that it had been your money, etc. A hassle.
I would just want to get out of there -- knowing mistakes are made all the time that cheat me of money, and I don't notice, and these things even out.
If it had been a significantly greater amount of money, I would have had to Go To Authorities, as you did.
Atlanta, Ga.: How is it that you got hooked on Bill Hicks? I bet it has something to do with those very smart children of yours...
Gene Weingarten: And yes, this is Bill Hicks, and no, I actually introduced him to my kids. Dan worships him.
I discovered Hicks because he and I had a friend in common. I had one chance to see him, when he was a nobody, and didn't. Then he died.
You wanted someone to say it: I'm here to tell you what you've said nobody would say.
I think marriage should be only between a man and a woman because I think that homosexuality is something that needs to be fixed. I actually believe that men and women were born gay, but I think it is something that needs treatment. I think of it much like I would think of a cleft palate. We wouldn't be thinking "It's just the way they were born, let's leave them be." We would find every resource and give every chance for that child to become normal. Instead of trying to fix homosexuality, we are normalizing it and making it easier to be gay.
If I feel this way, why in the world would I vote to make marriage between a gay couple legal? I don't feel it would lessen my marriage, I feel it would lessen my humanity.
This person is being honest, and, I think, speaking for many others who refuse to be honest. And in appreciation of that fact, I'm not going to respond.
Op, US: The previous correspondent is exactly wrong. The GOP half works much better; it is the Dem half and explanatory message that are ineffective. The "Dems are wusses" joke is tired and never was that funny, only kinda mean and condescending. The "GOP inspires existential terror" is relevant on several measures: truth and timeliness, and also as a "Halloween costume taken too far."
Gene Weingarten: Well, y'know, I think the Dem side works fine. So if you think the Repub side works....
Odense, Denmark: "Gene Weingarten: We are so far from perfect, as a society. Anyone know a lot about the Netherlands? Are they as cool as I've heard? Should I move there? How hard is it to learn Dutch?"
I don't know about the Netherlands, but Denmark is very progressive and cool. You'd love it. Gay marriage has the exact same status as heterosexual marriage (of course, they don't even differentiate the two -- it's just ... "marriage"). I regularly see women walking hand in hand, and, less regularly, men. On top of that, most people don't even bother to get married until they're ready to have children, but they still refer to each other as husband, wife or spouse.
Learning Danish, however, is nearly impossible for non-Danes. But this is compensated for by the fact that nearly everyone speaks fluent English. On top of that, we get an ungodly amount of vacation and holidays.
And just wait until you see the women commuting on their bikes in high-heeled boots. It'll put VPL out of your mind in an instant.
Let me know when you need a place to stay.
Gene Weingarten: But doesn't the weather suck? And isn't everyone all melancholy? And don't all guys want to sleep with their mothers?
Possible Genetic Mutation: I have medical question(s) for you, possibly bizarre, possibly paranoid, but definitely in your line of expertise. When I was younger, I remember a friend of mine describing how he hated Mexican food because of the cilantro, that it tasted like soap. I thought this was distinctly odd, until I read somewhere that there is a genetic trait that causes cilantro to taste like soap to some people. OK, then! I was glad that I didn't have that specific trait and could enjoy Mexican food in peace.
So, some 10 years later, I'm eating a hoity-toity mixed-greens-and-herb salad, and I start wondering what tastes so odd. Lo and behold, it's the cilantro, tasting a little, well, soapy.
1. Is it true that genetics are behind the soapy/non-soapy cilantro dichotomy?
2. If my experience of cilantro changes, does that mean that my DNA has been altered somehow?
3. If so, is there someone I can sue to get my old taste buds back, because I really like Mexican food.
Gene Weingarten: To me, it tastes like 20 Mule Team Borax. I have been told this is indeed genetic, as is the ability to smell asparagus pee. What has happened to me over time is that the soapy taste has become less strong, and it no longer destroys a dish, it merely makes it annoying.
A chef once told me that the soapy taste was also affected by how fresh the cilantro is. The older, the soapier. I dunno. I do know that Julia Child once told me that cilantro tasted like soap to her, and she didn't like it either.
I have no idea why you had my experience in reverse.
Leary Li, NE: To me, the most devastating twist in the Leary joke is "camouflaged it with punchlines." I would have put that last.
Gene Weingarten: Yes, that is the great line in that one. But I don't think you can put it last, because "did it first" is the stopper. You know? Once you say that, the joke is over.
Christian Bashing, Gene?: Gene: "So what do people with certain biblical values tell their kids about how all Jews will go to hell? Or what about the biblical value of all them patriarchs having multiple wives and concubines? You gonna pass those values on, too?"
Gene - your mischaracterization of Christianity is wrong and unfair and hateful and, frankly, beneath you. The Bible doesn't teach that all Jews are going to hell, but that they will be saved by grace because of God's love for the patriarchs (yes, the polygamist patriarchs). The Bible is full of God's unending love of the Jews, and no one who has read it can come away thinking that cursing Israel is a good idea. Yes, there are some Christian anti-Semites but they are a tiny misguided minority and to paint us all with that brush is misleading and unfair. Every group has some bad apples, but to stereotype us all based on these is something you would never do to another group.
As for polygamy in the bible, anyone who has read the bible knows that the polygamy of the patriarchs had disastrous results. I'd be happy to provide a list of horrendous outcomes resulting from the polygamy of Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon, etc. Yes, some patriarchs were polygamists, but it was NOT A GOOD THING. They were human, they made mistakes, we read the bible to learn from them, and any ambiguity about the appropriateness of polygamy is cleared up by Jesus himself in the New Testament. So to answer your question, No, of course we don't pass anti-Semitism and pro-polygamy values on to our children because they are not biblical values, which is what we had been talking about.
Having said that, I still heart you, but no virtual panties, mister, you're married.
Gene Weingarten: Could someone who knows more of the Bible than I do weigh in here and let me know if an apology is in order?
I have had many fundamentalists (Johnny Hart among them) inform me that a simple, direct reading of the New Testament makes it quite clear than any person who has been exposed to the teachings of Jesus, and who fails to accept Him, is doomed. Is this not true?
Are you?: "We are living under the worst presidency anyone currently alive has seen. If you feel strongly about this, become an activist. "
Doonesbury Redux: I seem to recall that Doonesbury was moved to Page 3 of the Style section when Trudeau objected to the shrinking of the space for all the four-panel comics in the regular comics section. He may have even delivered an ultimatum on it. Doonesbury is significantly larger than the other comics. I like the way it stands on its own in that spot and I would suspect that it is read by people who generally ignore the comics section.
Gene Weingarten: That is correct. I was wrong to imply that it was because of the content. Trudeau asked for the larger space.
Let's hope the Dems do not
Gene Weingarten: Very nice. Good wordplay. Your meter is off, though. Remember the first three lines in each stanza needs to be two dactyls, and the final lines a dactyl plus a beat. Edited:
Sweep in an era Con-
Let's hope the Dems do not
Go from a "blowout" to
Gene Weingarten: Er, and it really should begin Higgledy Piggledy.
Gene Weingarten: Oh, by the way... could the person who suggested the name Murphy please identify hisself or herself to Liz. We won't post it. I did find it, and I do owe you something! As does Murphy, who is sitting next to me incessantly demanding that I throw a squeaky toy for her to retrieve.
The Poll: I personally feel that just reading a stand up comic's material isn't really fair, because we all know that the delivery can make things a thousand times funnier (or not.)
Gene Weingarten: Some make it less funny. I would argue Stephen Wright ruined his material by actually saying it. Hicks was a performer, but he was not the performer that, say, Pryor was.
Man, all the great ones are dead, aren't they?
Madison, Wisc.: I can soullessly report that I hated pretty much all the jokes in the poll. I Googled them, and it turns out the comedian was someone who I never thought was funny and always thought was extremely overrated. The feeling of confirmation was blissful.
What is it about dead comedians that leads to people automatically remembering them funny, no matter how bad they were in real life? For God's sake, I remember people mourning Sam Kinison, whose idea of funny was to scream after every bad joke.
Gene Weingarten: Sam was pretty good, too.
Washington DC: A few years ago I asked for $65 from an ATM and got $70. It wasn't even my bank, and I didn't take the effort to try to fix the error. A month later, there was a $5 adjustment on my statement.
So don't worry, they'll fix it.
Gene Weingarten: My assumption, too.
Gallery Place, Washington, D.C.: So, Gene, have you ever tried stand-up yourself? You consistently claim to be funny - 99th percentile funny, even - and maybe for once your voice will be an asset!
I'd come see you if you did...
Gene Weingarten: I did it once, and was godawful. Liz, can you find this? Google me and the Improv.
I covered an open-mike event by participating.
I also did it at a celeb fundraiser once. The funniest celeb in D.C. thing. I finished third to two congressmen, so you know how bad I was.
Washington, D.C.: Are you saying that not everyone notices that smell in your pee after you eat asparagus? I always think naysayers are denying the fact that their pee smells afterwards and are being prudes for not wanting to discuss. This changes everything!
Gene Weingarten: Correct. Some people don't smell it, and they think their pee doesn't stink.
Steven Wright: I think you know he's not, but you implied Steven Wright is dead. He only seems that way on stage.
Gene Weingarten: Wait.. .he's not DEAD? Yes he is, isn't he?
The Foggiest Bottom: In the last four or five months, I have been experiencing a mysterious reaction. I'm not normally an allergy sufferer, but it is the only way I can describe it. The strangest part is that it only occurs on my right side. The right side of my throat starts to tickle. Then my right eye tears up and runs. My right sinus starts dripping down the back of my throat. It gets worse and worse, and I begin coughing. Sometimes it's so bad that I cannot speak or breathe without coughing and/or gagging. Then, it begins to subside. The episode lasts about five minutes. These episodes can occur anywhere - at home, work, on the bus, outside, inside, while I'm in bed, it doesn't seem to matter. It doesn't happen every day. Sometimes I'll have more than one episode in a day. Sometimes I'll go for days or more than a week without it. It's frightening and/or disruptive to anyone I am around.
How can one side of me be allergic? Also to note - my chronic pain problems (migraines, osteoarthritis) are also only on my right side.
What do you think Gene, brain tumor on the left side?
Gene Weingarten: This is really interesting, and beyond me. Any otorhinolaryngologists out there?
washingtonpost.com: I'll post the text of the Improv article at the end of the show.
Worked O, UT: Hi Gene,
Your chat has transcended the boundaries of its media -- I was at the Dupont Circle Washington Sports Club the other night, and someone had printed out the whole thing and left it in the magazine rack, between "AARP" and "Professional Remodeler."
Silkworm joke punchline: Neither. They both ended up in a tie.
Religion Major: The problem with saying that your evangelical friend is right or wrong is that (s)he is both! The Bible is open to so many interpretations that one devout, Bible-beleiving Christian could say that all non-Christians are going to hell and another could say just the opposite. Jesus did speak of people being thrown into the fire where there will be weeping and nashing of teeth if you don't believe, but whether that means that people are going to hell or whether it means that people are going to suffer if they don't help others is open to debate.
Jews of Jesus day for the most part did not believe in an afterlife, so they might well have interpreted him as meaning the latter, but there really is no way to know.
If there is one thing I learned from studing religion in college it is that there are myriad ways to interpret the Bible. That's why when you go to a theology section of a bookstore, there are shelves and shelves of books trying to figure out what it all means. To say that there is only one way to understand the Bible is, in my view, arrofant and wrong.
Gene Weingarten: Okay, we'll accept this until something better shows up.
Gene Weingarten: Hm. I just inadvertently deleted my entire analysis of the poll. It will take too long to recreate, so.... it will be the first item in tomorrow's update.
The otorhinolaryngologists : would be a terrible band name
Gene Weingarten: Actually, it would be a great name.
Anonymous: The intention of the the Virginia amendment is to eliminate the possibility of civil unions in Virginia. However, it is so broadly worded that it could invalidate existing contracts between unmarried heterosexual couples, or same sex business partners. Amendment no. 1 is not a default document, but one that would invalidate existing documents. The Amendment reads:
"That only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this Commonwealth and its political subdivisions. This Commonwealth and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage. Nor shall this Commonwealth or its political subdivisions create or recognize another union, partnership, or other legal status to which is assigned the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities, or effects of marriage."?
Gene Weingarten: But surely this cannot prevent me from signing a document saying that I want my girlfriend, and not my parents, to make decisions on whether I live or die? Obviously, no one can make a law saying I cannot do that. Right?
Asparagus pee: Even more fascinating, genetics determine whether your pee smells and whether you can smell the asparagus pee -- and these are two different factors. So because my pee didn't smell to me, I didn't know if it didn't smell or if I couldn't smell it. Needless to say my husband and I had to perform a scientific experiment to determine what was the case. In fact my pee doesn't smell and I can't smell asparagus pee. Case closed.
Gene Weingarten: Wow. I didn't know that first part. some people don't have asparagus pee?
Not dead yet: But stick around.
Gene Weingarten: Wow. I am remembering a similar comic, then, who died about a year ago. Who was that?
Steven Wright: ...is still alive. You might be thinking of Mitch Hedberg, whose jokes are sorta similar to Wright's and who recently died young.
Guinea, West Africa: Hiya Gene,
I thought you would be happy to hear that poop humor really is universally loved. I'm living in a village in Guinea right now where cows, sheep, dogs, small children, etc. run and poop freely. I've gotten to the point where I don't even register the poo anymore, other than as a marker of where not to step, and I figured that Guineans were just as blase about it. Then when I was walking to the school the other day I saw a perfect round giant cow pie in the middle of the road--with a stick stuck in and a little flag of cloth flapping happily in the wind. Well maybe that speaks less to the globalness of poop humor and more to the fact that now whenever I see poop, anywhere in the world, I think of you.
Gene Weingarten: Speaking of Bill Hicks, he was a big fan of magic mushrooms, and he used to reserve at least a half hour out of every trip for laughing his arse off over the fact that the mushroom buttons grew on cow poop.
Tampa Bay, Fla.: This from Charles Lane's article, "A Powerful Voice in Patent Disputes," in Monday's Post: "None of the justices are experts on patent law."
Are Tom the Butcher and his toadies so seized with excising lively and insightful content from your work that they've let the rest of the paper go to hell grammatically? And since you know everybody at The Post, what can you tell us about this Lame, uh, Lane guy?
Gene Weingarten: You ever see "Shattered Glass," the movie about journalist felon Stephen Glass? Well, Charles Lane was the good editor who exposed him. He had been editor of The New Republic.
So he made a small mistake here. A copydesk shoulda caught it.
Free money: It's not nearly as satisfying to correct an ATM error as it is to hand back to some dumbass cashier an inadvertent extra dollar. Without fail they'll look at you in astonishment and say, "Wow, you're really honest!" You get to be a frigging saint for only one dollar.
Gene Weingarten: It's worth just giving her one of YOUR dollars.
Actually, that is a trick of grifters and really good shoplifters. Just before you steal something, you do something minorly honest.
Centreville, Va.: Thank you for continuing to help keep the memory of Bill Hicks alive. And never let it be forgotten that in the final year of his life, indeed, just after he had already passed away from pancreatic cancer, the American Comedy Awards finally saw fit to honor him with a nomination for the year's best male comic. And who won that year? F---ing Carrot Top.
washingtonpost.com: Is it just me or has Carrot Top had plastic surgery?
Gene Weingarten: No one answer that. We are not going to have a discussion of Carrot Top, with Bill Hicks as background noise.
Rockville, Md.: Someone needs to invent a dog toy throwing device akin to the putt machine that spits the ball back and a tennis machine that spits out balls. Something like a very short distance ball tosser. I wonder if dogs would go for it or if it needs to be a human that does the tossing.
Gene Weingarten: It would work, but only if the toy could then engage in a growly game of pull with the dog, before the dog finally releases the toy. Essential.
Virginia Amendment: Gene Weingarten: But surely this cannot prevent me from signing a document saying that I want my girlfriend, and not my parents, to make decisions on whether I live or die? Obviously, no one can make a law saying I cannot do that. Right?
Well, it depends on what judge looks at it. There is a lot of room for interpretation here. This is the state constitution, not just a normal statute. A constitution can easily prevent specified types of contracts from being enforceable.
Gene Weingarten: Hard to believe. Really.
On Gay Marriage and Insurance Premiums: "Here's an interesting thought: If there is gay marriage, then it will suddenly become obvious to insurance companies who is gay and who is not -- based on name of spouse. They can't ask now, but they won't have to. So will they charge more for gays, in an era of AIDS? Will that be legal? Moral?"
In states that require blood tests before issuing marriage licenses, an HIV test is performed at the same time. This, to me, seems like a logical answer to this question. Require pre-marriage blood tests for everyone. A person in a monogamous relationship, with a negative HIV test, assuming no IV drug use, would fall into the lowest possible risk group for contracting AIDS - gay or straight. I can't imagine a way to justify higher premiums for gays based on risk of AIDS, given a negative HIV test and a marriage contract, without stooping to outright bigotry.
Gene Weingarten: You think we are beyond outright bigotry?
We are talking insurance companies here. If their figures show that married gays are more likely to contract AIDS than married straights....
(I have never understood how insurance companies can get away with charging more for younger people, less for women, etc., based on statistical predictions of behavior by group.)
Re: You wanted someone to say it: Um, isn't that what people used to think about left-handedness? My mom's best friend grew up in Ireland, taught by nuns, and they actually tied her left hand behind her back to keep her from using it. That also had some theological background to it, as I recall (Satan sat at the left hand of god or something). Gene, you said once that when you were a child your parents transferred things from your left hand to your right until you started to prefer your right - did you ever ask why?
Gene Weingarten: Yes, they thought the world was easier for the right handed.
Dimwitted comment of yours: In an updated about insurance, you wrote: "So will they charge more for gays, in an era of AIDS? "
Um, last time I checked, a few hundred straight people were HIV positive, maybe give or take a dozen. I HOPE you were being ironic.
Gene Weingarten: Gimme a break. We are talking about insurance companies here. In this country, statistically, a gay person is more likely to contract AIDS than a straight person. That's all that will be on the table, for them.
Virgin, IA: Gene Weingarten: But surely this cannot prevent me from signing a document saying that I want my girlfriend, and not my parents, to make decisions on whether I live or die? Obviously, no one can make a law saying I cannot do that. Right?
Gene, you remind me of my little sister, who wouldn't believe that the Government could make people go off to war. I had to get out the encyclopedia (this was a while ago) to prove it to her. Of course, she was 10 years old. You are so naive.
Gene Weingarten: I demand that this be resolved right now. Does this law actually suggest a person cannot legally appoint his own plug-puller?
Anonymous: Gene -- I'm a 49-year-old gay man, and if nothing else, the Ted Haggard scandal has convinced me that it's never too late for me to fulfill my dream of becoming a male prostitute for an elite clientele--and that I don't need to be in LA, DC, or NYC -- to do so. Mike Jones is a god to middle-aged homos everywhere.
So, to clarify...: Was it Mitch Hedberg's delivery you don't like, or Steven Wright's? Or both? Personally, I thought Wright's is hilarious. Hedberg always managed to sound like he was reading his (badly) from a teleprompter.
Gene Weingarten: I think they are both weak, actually. But Hedberg was the one I was thinking about.
Scientific sniffer, again...: Here is a summary of some scientific studies, footnotes removed:
"Allison and McWhirter first showed that the ability to produce methyl mercaptan after eating asparagus is not universal. Some people would produce detectable amounts in the urine after eating only three or four spears of asparagus, while others would produce none even after eating as much as one pound (0.45 kg) of asparagus. In their random sample of 115 human subjects, they demonstrated that this ability occurred in about 40% of the population Interestingly, the BMJ later reported a study in which all the subjects could produce methyl mercaptan, but their ability to smell it in the urine differed. Those who were able to smell the odour in their own urine could smell it in the urine of anyone who had eaten asparagus irrespective of whether or not that person could smell it. The authors suggested that the ability to smell these substances in one's or, indeed, another's urine was also genetically determined."
There is nothing that has not been studied.
Amend. No. 1: Well, someone can pass a law to say pretty much anything... and it seems the Amendment says that you cannot sign a document to have your GF make decisions instead of your parents. Whether that law is ultimately constitutional is a different step in the process; there is no immediate safeguard to prohibit unconstitutional laws from being passed. Someone would have to go to court to enforce their BF/GF agreement by claiming the Amendment was unconstitutional, which it almost certainly is.
But sometimes we just keep passing laws until the courts give up. Or begin to agree with us. Which is what may be happening with the partial birth abortion laws that keeps bouncing around.
Gene Weingarten: This sounds authoritative. Well, it will be declared unconstitutional if passed.
Pat the Perfect, ME: Even the extremely prescriptive American Heritage Dictionary offers this about using "none" as a plural:
" and then there were none." The closing words of this well-known nursery rhyme should dispel the notion that "none" can only take a singular verb. People opposing the plural use base their argument on the fact that "none" comes from the Old English word an, meaning "one." But the citational evidence against restricting "none" is overwhelming. "None" has been used as both a singular and plural pronoun since the ninth century. The plural usage appears in the King James Bible as well as the works of John Dryden and Edmund Burke and is widespread in the works of respected writers today. 1
Of course, the singular usage is perfectly acceptable. Whether you should choose a singular or plural verb depends on the effect you want. You can use either a singular or a plural verb in a sentence such as "None of the conspirators has (or have) been brought to trial." However, "none" can only be plural when used in sentences such as "None but his most loyal supporters believe (not believes) his story."
Gene Weingarten: Patricia, I cannot believe you of all people are contributing to this.
Alexandria, VA: Gene, the guy equating homosexuality to a cleft palate just makes me sad. There are still plenty of people who think the curse of Ham (Ham sees his Dad Noah naked, Noah curses him and his descendants who are the forefathers of Africans) makes blacks less than human, so should I get an operation to fix my complexion?
Gene Weingarten: Oh, obviously it is a sad and wrong and backward and fear-filled attitude. I wasn't endorsing it, obviously. I just applauded the person's courage to articulate it in this forum.
Washington, D.C.: I read I'm With Stupid on Saturday. Thought you'd like to know that 1. Alexandria has a nice library and 2. that while reading a religious "save yourself NOW" pamphlet fell out. I wondered if someone that would read your book felt the need to put that in there as a joke or if someone was duped by the cover and was outraged it had nothing to do with religion.
Gene Weingarten: I bet it is the former.
Haggard, Colo.: Double dactyls aside, I think the creepiest thing about the whole Haggard scandal is his response to it. Having warped his life and the lives of his family by buying into the idea that being gay is bad, he could have taken this opportunity to finally choose a new path, to say "You know, there's a reason I couldn't overcome this, and that reason is that everything we say about homosexuality is wrong." Instead, he attacks himself, calling himself a deceiver and a liar (well, yeah), as well as repulsive and dark. As much condemnation as he deserves for trying to keep psychologically healthier people locked in the same closet he was in, I really pity him for being so needy of the acceptance of people who hate him that he negates himself.
Also, in this case, is Haggard an aptonym?
Gene Weingarten: Very well put. But I think he is beyond real help. His entire life has been a lie. He can't face it.
For the past two days, I have experienced a moderate spasmodic twitching on the left side of my upper lip. An episode lasts several minutes, and the episodes occur about 10 times a day, at varying intervals. I look like a total jackass when this is going on. Am I going to die?
Gene Weingarten: Involuntary Elvis would be a great name for a rock band!
I dunno, but little twitchings seldom mean much. Eye twitchings don't. Sometimes, but incredibly rarely, they signal the start of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. But don't worry about that.
Seattle, Wash.: Courage to be a bigot? Courage is confronting and overturning backwards beliefs.
There is no courage in an anonymous posting to an Internet chat.
Gene Weingarten: Actually, the courage is admitting it to her/him self. No obfuscation. No one else did that.
Virginia Amendment: Chatters and Gene: You are all missing the point! This is an amendment to the state constitution, not a law -- thus it will be constitutional as soon as it is passed.
Gene Weingarten: No, no. It will be state constitutional. It will be ruled federally unconstitutional. Which supercedes.
There were no, NE: Why is zero plural? i.e.
There were no birds in the yard.
There was one bird in the yard.
There were two birds in the yard.
None=plural?: In her explanation, Pthep notes: "None but his most loyal supporters believe (not believes) his story." is acceptable. However, note that the sentence itself implies that the subject is plural -- i.e. it is "his most loyal supporters" that will be doing the believing. Accordingly, When contructed in a complex subject that is plural, then, yes, "none" can take a plural verb. That's a pretty narrow exception to the rule.
Cincinnati, Ohio: Hi Gene- If anybody has raised this one yet in the "how can you be against gay marriage" debate, I haven't seen it posted:
How about the effect of gay parents on children? Not the effect of the actual parenting -- I understand many gay parents are actually "better" at it than straight parents -- but the effect of being ostracized by much of society? In many parts of this country a kid with gay parents is going to get the crap beat out of him every day on the playground, get stared at every time they go out in public as a family, and possibly even be discriminated against by his teachers. (There was that case a couple years ago where a teacher punished a little boy for saying "lesbian" because she claimed it was a bad word.)
Of course it's not right that this should happen. Of course children should be treated fairly no matter who their parents are. But that's just not reality as it exists in America today and we need to recognize that.
For many people, being bullied in childhood leaves lasting scars well into adulthood. Adoption is supposed to be for the benefit of the child , not the parents, no matter how badly they want to be parents. Can you honestly say that allowing a gay couple to adopt a child is in the best interests of the child, when you know you are dooming the kid to be a social misfit?
washingtonpost.com: Are you kidding? Is this a joke?
Gene Weingarten: I believe it is not a joke. Some people are so viscerally opposed to this issue, and so unwilling to confront the real reason why, that they will raise any argument, however thin.
To answer: I would think that any set of gay parents intending to adopt would have thought this through very clearly. The would know exactly what to say to their child to minimize this sort of thing, and, more important, they would choose to live in places and among people where this would not be a problem.
"Ostracized by much of society" is an enormous overreach. "Ostracized in some pockets of bigotry" is closer. Gradually, as a society we are coming to understand that gay people are the same. The absolute same. Same strengths as straight people, same flaws, just as vulnerable to unfair criticism by selective example. I keep reminding people that there was a time in this country when reasonable, important people, pillars of the community, were debating whether women should have the vote. Same thing. This will not be an issue in 50 years. And people arguing against it will look, in retrospect, like Neanderthals.
Arlington, Va.: Every time I get an unexplainable sore neck (like I do right now) I panic about having meningitis. Then I decide that I'll wait it out because having it checked is too much of an effort.
Would you classify this as "calculated risk taking" or "lazy hypochondria"?
Gene Weingarten: It is intelligent hypochondria. It was my form. The problem with that is if you are a genuine hypochondriac, the pain won't resove UNTIL you see the doctor. Being acutely aware of a pain, and constantly testing to see if it is still there, and carrying yourself slightly differently because of the pain, often causes the pain to continue or worsen.
Enquiring Mi, ND: As a serious representative of American journalism, if you could interview Saddam Hussein, what would you ask? His favorite American TV show? What he thinks of Neil Patrick Harris?
Gene Weingarten: I would ask him to describe what it feels like to order the death of a political opponent who happens to be a child. What weighs on the mind of one who "must" make such a decision. I would ask it in a respectful manner, and he just might answer, and that would be valuable.
Springfield, Va.: Gene, please consider one more view on the debate over gay marriage and the marriage amendment in Virginia.
My personal view is that marriage can only exist between a man and a woman. I don't consider the relationship between two members of the same sex to be a marriage. I don't believe this a bigoted viewpoint, but it is a subject opinion.
However, I don't believe that I or the government have any right to impose such beliefs on others who feel differently. My church (Roman Catholic, if it makes a difference) has the right and obligation to proselytize its views on moral issues and to try to persuade others of their rightness. It does not have the right to attempt to enlist the government in advancing those views.
The role of the government vis-a-vis marriage relates to the enforcement of social contracts between two consenting adults. Other chatters have discussed why these arrangements shouldn't logically extend to relationships involving minors, more than two parties, or barnyard animals. Excepting these cases, any two consenting adults should have the right to enter into this social contract. This might also include (as in the case of two of my parents' close friends) to two siblings who never married and form a joint household.
Those arguing for the Virginia amendment point out that there are still avenues open to provide insurance coverage, jointly hold property, etc. However, the legal contract known as a marriage is a "blanket" way to allow two individuals to establish a household and enjoy the attendant rights and responsibilities. To say that the amendment doesn't discriminate against those in "alternative" relationships is disingenuous.
Sorry this wasn't funny. Poop on the marriage amendment.
Gene Weingarten: Hm. Now, wait a minute.
Your personal view is NOT that marriage can only exist between a man and a woman. Your personal view is that marriage can exist between a man and a woman, a man and a man, a woman and a woman, and a brother and a sister! You do not LIKE that designation, but you support it.
You are a wild person! A libertarian! A tear-down-the-walls-and-build-it-all-over person. Good for you!
Pat the Perfect, ME: I don't care much if "none" is plural, but I don't much like the spelling "supercedes." Totally the wrong root.
Gene Weingarten: I wrote it with an s and then changed it. So I was half right.
Virginia Amendment: "It will be ruled federally unconstitutional."
Gene Weingarten: Equal protection. Slam dunk.
The federal courts have no jurisdiction over state constitutions. Man, you're batting .000 on this question. It's bad and serious and permanent: wake up!
Gene Weingarten: This is not right. It cannot be right. A state cannot declare it illegal to be Jewish. Even if the voters approve.
Tac, KY: Are family photos on the mantel tacky? I agree that family photos don't belong on the living room walls and have managed to keep them off; however, my wife insists on keeping them on the mantel. This bothers me in a vague sort of way, but my wife isn't buying the tacky argument because I can't think of anything better to put up there. We have a clock (nothing fancy) but it looks stupid by itself (and even worse with the various other trinkets and curios we've picked up since we met). Any suggestions?
Gene Weingarten: I see no problem so long as you are fine with having a shrine to yourselves in prominent display in your house. This is completely a matter of personal taste, which some people have, and some people do not.
Prosopagnos, IA: I just spent some time playing with the celebrity face matching tool at myheritage.com, and of course I put in a few different photos of my wife, the most beautiful woman I know.
The tool matched her, variously, with Kirsten Dunst, Linda Lovelace, Kenneth Branagh, and Vladimir Putin.
She will find this very funny. What's the funniest, or cleverest, way I can tell her?
Gene Weingarten: You have to set it up with the picture of her that elicits Putin, and have her do it herself.
He kind of does look like a woman, though.
Tackytac, KY: In reference to your skull stick shift knob (heh. stick shift knob.), you said:
Gene Weingarten: Nope. Because I know it is tacky. It would only be tacky if I didn't know.
So, now that you've informed me that my display of photos of my family and friends is tacky, I can keep them where there are, protected by the Weingarten Postulate. Thanks!
Also, does it lower the tackiness level if the friends and family photos are on bookcases and tables, with my wall decor only art?
Gene Weingarten: No, because you had to be INFORMED it was tacky, ergo you did not think it was tacky prior to displaying it, hency there is no irony.
And you certainly are not okay by putting em on shelves, atop grand pianos, etc. Tacky is tacky. You are a rube.
Gene Weingarten: Aaaaaand we are done.
I hope whoever you support in today's election wins. Except in certain cases. You know who you are.
Tomorrow's update begins with Bill Hicks.
So Who's the Comedian?, (Post, Sept. 14, 1999)
According to a recent poll, 84 percent of adult American men believe they are funnier than the average stand-up comic, and that if they ever got up behind a mike and in front of a brick wall they'd bring down the house.
I just made that poll up, but literal truth is inessential to being a stand-up comic, which I now am. I became a stand-up comic at 12:45 yesterday afternoon when I walked onto a stage at the Improv, Washington's top comedy club, and did a "bit." It was an open-mike casting call in which professional and semi-pro comedians had exactly two minutes each to perform for a big-shot producer, in the hope of landing a shot at a spot at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival next February in Aspen, Colo.
During my two minutes, I learned many things about the craft of comedy, the main ones being:
1. Two minutes is a very, very, excruciatingly long time.
2. You should always remember not to inhale beads covered with spit, because you can die.
But I am getting ahead of myself.
I submitted my name as George Spelvin, the catchall pseudonym used in early theater when an actor did not wish to be identified by his real name. I used this name on the theory that no one would be old enough to have heard it, inasmuch as most of the 45 comics in attendance seemed to range from 25 years old to maybe 11. They also ranged from male to female, good to bad, and dirty to real dirty to un-%*#@$%l-believably dirty. One routine, by comic Douglas Berryhill, repeated the S-word 44 times, by my count. Remember, this is a two-minute gig.
Some jokes were printable, if not exactly genteel.
"My girlfriend calls me her Popeye," said Doug Hecox, "because of my build. I call her Sweet Pea because she has a bladder infection."
Kevin Downey Jr. confessed to being a little weird: "My dad says I'm too effeminate for my own good. But my gynecologist says there's nothing to worry about. . . . My wife asked me, if you could have sex with any woman living or dead, who would it be? I said Cindy Crawford, dead."
You would think an audience consisting entirely of stand-up comics would be pretty demanding. But this crowd was enthusiastic, since virtually all them are dreadfully underemployed. The 1990s have not been a prosperous time for club comics. Club comedy has been clobbered by cable TV--which makes good stand-up available for free--and by stricter DUI laws, which make people less likely to patronize drinking clubs. And so these comedians, by and large, had wounded eyes and a slightly hunted look, and they needed laughs and were not about to deny them to others.
One of the loudest laughers, and better comics, was Joe Hansard, from Dundalk, Md. Hansard says the biggest paycheck he ever got from a gig was $40. "Wait," he amended, pointing to fellow comic Nick Curtin, who looks exactly like a young Fatty Arbuckle, "Nick and I once got $50, but we had to split it."
Wendy Webb said she had some lump on her arm and was hoping it would develop into a third nipple; it might help her get guys.
Debbie Perlman said she was weirded out by a sperm bank: "I can't imagine getting pregnant from a total stranger. (Pause.) While I'm sober."
One guy named Laughing Lenny may well have been a comic genius but he spoke so fast, and in such thick street dialect, that virtually no one in the audience could understand a thing he said. My notes read, verbatim: "lwa swa ig'n hawta fwahzz sma sheeee."
He got a nice round of applause.
I didn't decide to perform, for sure, until I heard Laughing Lenny.
I am not a comic, have never appeared onstage, am awkward before a mike, have no spontaneity and basically no interpersonal skills. But I have written some funny things in the newspapers, and I figured that if you can write funny, you can be funny. That was my first mistake.
My second mistake was not staying in my seat when George Spelvin's name was called. Good stand-up comics hone their acts over months if not years, polishing them before bathroom mirrors, their friends, etc. I developed the key element of mine the morning I went on. The last thing I did before I left the house was bring a box full of plastic beads, because I figured they could be a prop for something. I figured out what between Tenleytown and Van Ness on the Red Line, and wrote the bit in the margins of my Washington Post, which I then accidentally tossed away at the station.
Here's a fact I didn't know: When you are onstage in the spotlight, you can see nothing but the spotlight. You are totally blinded by the light, not in the sense of a man undergoing an intense religious awakening, but in the sense of a man staring at a thermonuclear explosion through binoculars. And so for the first few seconds of my two minutes, I was simply staring forward, mouth agape, expressing the concept: "Uuungh."
"This is the debut of my career as a professional stand-up comic. It's a kind of a special moment for me. I'd like to take this opportunity to say something to my mother, who was an inspiration to me throughout my life. My mother is dead. She died a few years ago, but I feel she is still with me. All the time, wherever I go, I feel her presence. Day in and day out. So I would like to say this to her. LEAVE ME ALONE, MA!"
Then I said, "Anyway, this really is my first time onstage, and I'm pretty insecure because, y'know, I'm not all that funny and I have a really lousy stage presence . . ."
People were laughing. Yes, I realize they were mostly laughing about how bad I was, but, um, I seemed to be working reasonably well as the butt of my own joke.
". . . And when I'm nervous I tend to stammer and stutter and, y'know, projectile-vomit and . . ."
"But I've been working on the problem. A long time ago a Greek guy named Demosthenes had the same problem I have, and he became a great orator by sticking pebbles in his mouth, so I thought I would [and here I began putting the beads in my mouth] try that. See, the idea is that if you can talk through the pebbles [now I was stuffing them in by the handful] you can learn to . . ."
". . . talk better and wfnm fmuff frmphm grphnm fprm . . ."
I looked at my watch, said something that might have sounded like "My time is up," and left to somewhat spirited applause. What the audience did not know was that I was quietly choking on a slippery bead. I finally hawked it up, but for a few seconds it occurred to me I might actually die for my art.
When I got back to my seat, Nick Curtin told me he'd wished he'd used my bead act.
After all the performances were done, the comedy honcho, Lou Viola, chose his 12 finalists to perform later that night, in a second audition. Joe Hansard made the cut, and Doug Hecox and Debbie Perlman and Wendy Webb. Nick Curtin did not. Kevin Downey did not. George Spelvin did not.
Afterward I asked Viola how the judging went.
Viola is a guy about my age, around 50, a kindly-looking man with a gray beard and a very difficult job. He knows stand-up, and has to make some hard decisions about the careers of some earnest and vulnerable people. As we spoke, a polite kid came up to us. Paul Jay is 24. He didn't make the final cut. He and asked Viola for a critique. Before Viola could answer, Jay blurted, "Sometimes I don't know who I am as a comic."
Viola nodded encouragingly. "Right. The audience needs to figure out who's talking to them." He asked Jay why he performed, and Jay said, "It validates me."
Viola thinks Jay has some promise. But sometimes, he says, "I want to say to someone, 'You're never going to be a stand-up comedian. How are you going to support your family?' " But he never says that. He tries to be upbeat.
I asked him what I did wrong.
"You took way too long to get to the punch line of your first joke, waaaaaaay too long, and Demosthenes needed a better payoff."
Gene Weingarten: So, then. Virginia has clearly and forthrightly declared itself the state of sanctimonious bigotry, and our discussion of yesterday is no longer moot. Now we are trying to analyze the law of the land.
Fortunately, more than 20 lawyers weighed in since the chat! Unfortunately, they weren't in agreement about much.
The two questions at hand were:
1. Does Virginia's revolting Amendment 1 actually prohibit a person from designating medical power of attorney to a live-in lover? And:
2. If so, could this issue be successfully challenged through an appeal to the United States Supreme Court?
Twenty lawyers. All voluble and opinionated. And their conclusion was fairly indecipherable, though a distillate is possible:
1. In all probability, judges in Virgina would rule that a medical power of attorney is distinct and separate from this constitutional provision, and would thus trump it. Or end-run it, actually. (The issue of cohabitation might simply be declared moot, since said contract would be enforceable if the person designed, say, his cousin who lived elsewhere.) But some might not. Case law would have to be made on this issue. Some judge somewhere -- likely in the south -- is going to refuse to allow a domestic partner to pull a plug when a parent opposes it, even in the presence of an uncontested prior legal agreement.
2. I was correct that that the Supreme Court can declare unconstitutional a provision in a state constitution. This is amply established by Supreme Court case law dating back to Marbury v. Madison and is as current as yesterday -- voters in Va. were asked to invalidate a constitutional amendment that was previously adopted but declared unconstitutional by the Supremes. The controlling authority in this case would probably be the equal protection clause.
The difficulty in this case might arise because the federal government has limited jurisdiction over contracts, which are generally a state matter. And any appeal of a ruling under Amendment 1 would probably be over a contract issue. So the issue would have to be broadened, as a strategic matter.
Now I will get 20 correspondences from lawyers today explaining how I didn't explain this right.
Gene Weingarten: Now, for the poll. Yes, this was Mr. Bill Hicks, and yes, he is in the pantheon of standup comics. I cannot condemn you if you labeled him merely "good," since these bits do not do justice to his oeuvre. For one thing, I was limited to publishable, short material. Also, you are not getting the benefit of his performance. "Good" is a fine answer.
But if you said just "okay" or "poor," you should be ashamed. Even barren, on the page, this material is plenty good.
Women liked him less than men, for understandable reason. Hicks's best material defines women sexually; he loved women, but lusted for them more, and relished in trampling their taboos. Hicks frequently would do hilarious gigs about how much he loved pornography, and why. And toward the end of his life he created an onstage character called "Goat Boy" that (satyrically and satirically) appeared to celebrate all forms of licentiousness, including but not limited to heterosexual pedophelia. I think the women taking this poll got a small taste of that sour little edge.
To me, the funniest line (you have to remember he died in 1994) was the self-bj joke, because it had a nice sight gag AND second zinger. But you didn't go wrong with most any choice -- Satan, cigarettes, etc. The most clever was probably Leary or the poet/comic.
It was the final question that was my favorite, and you failed dramatically. All of these were pretty perfect, except for the joke about marijuana. He blew it (as it were) in a Kerry-like fashion by including that line about "unmotivated." "Unmotivated" is EXACTLY what he then describes in the last line. The joke is self-contradictory.
What he should have said was "They say it makes you stupid."
Gene Weingarten: And thanks to Shawn Milleville, for this incredibly disturbing "game."
Gene Weingarten: I forgot to mention yesterday's Sally Forth. A possibly unprecended bit of meta-play! Entertaining! Existential. Surreal. I like it.
A little Election Day therapy for me: Not so very many years ago I was a high school student in Fairfax County. I was skilled enough to win a prestigious national award, and as a result I became a fifteen-minute photo op for the state politicos. "What a shining example of Virginia youth!" they touted. Today those same men and women are deciding whether I am able and worthy of real commitment and love. I face homophobia all the time, and consider myself basically inured to it, but today hurts. There's an old saying that whenever you forget you're gay some homophobe will remind you. Today I might have a whole state of them take up that privilege.
So you want to be cool, right? But let's face it, even though you don't have a problem with gays per se, you know there's something not quite right about them¿you can just feel it. Believe you me, I actually do understand your discomfort: I think straight people are just a little bit icky and unnatural. That slightly creepy, "off" feeling you get when two guys kiss? Try getting that dozens of times a day, not to mention on every opposite-sex liaison you forced yourself into in your teens. Yeah, gay people understand homophobia much better than you think we do. But we also know that yes Virginia, there is a way to triumph over homophobia. Stand up. Speak out. Don't tolerate intolerance from yourself or others, even when acceptance feels just a little bit icky. Vote no on Question One, and help me be proud of Virginia the way Virginia was once proud of me.
Gene Weingarten: Boy, was that well put.
Gene Weingarten: A long, sane post from Suzanne Stradling on the subject of gay marriage and why I am not helping the situation:
For a long, long time, marriage was the way you got permission to have sex. Having sex outside of marriage was offensive to God, and so marriage had the secular effect of creating a legal child-rearing unit and the religious effect of allowing the devout to actually get some action. When Church and State are one, no problem. But society and religion have parted ways on the subject of appropriate sexual behavior, and that aspect of marriage-as-a-concept disappeared sometime last century in the broader American society. There are still significant religious communities where sex without marriage is considered a sin, however, and committed believers remain celibate until marriage.
Most of these orthodox religious communities don't accept a solely religious ceremony as a valid marriage. Having a civil law covenant is part of receiving the religious legitimization of sex. (There is an exception in some polygamist communities, but even there, a man may be required to legally marry a wife, divorcing her before legally marrying again, on the basis that you can ignore the divorce but the marriage is necessary.) Furthermore, in most of these communities, there is no actual religious ceremony required--in the sense that a couple married in front of the county clerk are regarded as being morally chaste when they engage in conjugal sex, while a couple married by a minister but without a legal license are committing the sin of fornication.
In communities where marriage is the one and only way to get God's imprimatur on sexual behavior, gay marriage causes problems of logic. If God hasn't accepted or has forbidden gay marriage (a belief of most orthodox religious communities), then one presumes that a marriage of two men does not carry the same legitimizing religious effect as the marriage of a man and a woman.
You can argue that believing this in the first place is bigotry and perhaps for some it is. But there are plenty of religious people who believe that, while they have been instructed by Spirit or grace to follow certain principles, those people who haven't received the same instructions or made the same commitments are not bound by the same rules. So gay sex (or premarital sex) is forbidden in the believer but not a reason to condemn anyone else. Since it's hard to live in a heterogeneous society without knowing and liking lots of people who have different values and beliefs, I suspect that many or most of the people who govern their own lives by strict religious rules are actually pretty laid back about everyone else's version of decent human behavior.
So why object to gay marriage for others? Essentially, the state has become the only legitimate sponsor of a religious sacrament. Significantly reworking or expanding the definition of marriage calls into question the sacramental nature of the resulting civil act.
Opposition to gay marriage is based in concern about the effect gay marriage would have on the religious validity of heterosexual civil ceremonies. Sound bizarre? Well, yes, making the government the vehicle of something that religiously important IS bizarre. What we have here is the intersection of deeply held religious belief and the obligation of the government to treat all its citizens fairly.
Given the immense religious importance attached to marriage by the religiously orthodox (how would you like to spend years celibate?), it's unfair to call them bigots for questioning the theological effect of a reorganization of marriage. (And, given the celibacy thing, you can even understand if they're a little cranky about it.) If the state solemnizes marriages that fall outside of the religious requirement of marriage, then what happens to the power of the state to act in loco dei and legitimize sex? Does it lose its effect altogether?
This is why you have people who are fine with a gay equivalent of marriage--"so long as it's called something else." The idea is to protect the power of divine sanction for people whose concept of marriage requires that sanction.
The "Save Traditional Marriage!" campaigns have simply failed to point out that the traditional marriage they are saving is one not actually entered into by most heterosexual couples. It's VERY traditional marriage, in which neither partner has sex before or outside the marriage bond. Admittedly, this translates poorly to focus groups. Most people support marriage, but find unmarried celibacy unappealing. But the religious don't want everyone to be forced into their idea of marriage, they just want the original religious significance of the ceremony preserved for those who value it--not an unreasonable request, given that the state originally adopted, supported and modified religious marriage for its own ends.
Here we actually have a nice moment of the religious community getting worked up about a legitimate theological question. Can anyone really doubt that the greatest threat to this very traditional idea of marriage is heterosexual sex outside of marriage? But there is no movement to ban Britney and K-Fed, or to recriminalize gay sex or premarital sex. The focus really is on a genuine threat to the theological concept and treatment of marriage within a religious community.
And, yes, the psycho guy who takes "God hates fags" signs to funerals probably also supports banning gay marriage. But that doesn't tar everyone with his viewpoint, any more than the fact that Saddam Hussein also wants the U.S. to get out of Iraq makes you a deposed ex-dictator. (If I were writing to the ex-Czar of the Style Invitational, now . . . .)
The question is, of course, what ought to be done? The government is and should be in the business of providing equal rights to all its citizens. It should not be in the business of watering down religious ceremonies. I would like to see a complete break between the civil and religious marriage ceremonies (as in France, where marriage always takes place at City Hall and is followed by the religious ceremony of choice, if desired.) At least a few religions have found it necessary to institute additional religious requirements in order to obtain a divorce, so coming up with something for marriage ought not tax their abilities. The idea of making the government come up with marriage-plus-plus (a la covenant marriage) for the devout is idiotic.
Since most orthodox religious communities are, by their nature, conservative, instituting an entire new set of marriage rules is much less desireable than maintaining the status quo. Yet the status quo is going, like it or not, and, as the matter is a theological one, it ought to move to that arena to be resolved. It would also save us all the inanities of clueless politicians posturing to their base without any comprehension of the issues in question.
I genuinely believe that a subtantial number of the people against gay marriage are not bigots. But I should probably add that, for true "non-bigot" cred, they have to believe and observe restrictive religious rules--making the question about them, not about gay people. And there are a substantial number of people in the discussion who are bigots, or whose bigotry fuels a broader desire to "make a statement" about gays or otherwise squash any government support of alternative sexual lifestyle.
So, discussion question: are there gay people who have religious beliefs preventing gay sex outside of marriage but sanctioning it within? The entire argument I've made presupposes no overlap between the gay people who wish to marry and the religious people who place a very high value on marriage-as-sanction. Am I wrong?
Gene Weingarten: And here's another smart one pointing out that my approach leads nowhere:
I'm Canadian, which gives me an indelible liberal pedigree somewhere on the 'insane left' on the American political spectrum. Naturally, I consider myself to be pretty reasonable. After 5+years of living in D.C. and observing the American experiment I really am stunned by the wilful ignorance surrounding the gay marriage debate (and others). Its also distressingly 'single note.'
In yesterday's chat, one poster ranted about children and gay parents There is data on this, plenty of it. In Canada, gay couples (and gay singles) have been adopting and/or raising children since 1982, and reams and reams of research shows that these adoptees'/children's care and achievements are on par with or slightly higher than children raised by one or two 'straights' (for lack of a more convenient term). So, big data sets show no harm. Legally and morally in Ontario, for example, the critical legal determining factor in custody and adoption decisions is the BEST interest of the Child. And rightly so - the best interest of a child is a demonstrable thing, while 'harms to society' are not demonstrable, are disallowed and are irrelevant. All scripture, prophecy, rhetoric, and like fall aside. Unless you're in America, where it seems that this relationship is reversed. Oh, and in Iran.
It seems to me that you just can't win against the conservative zealots by moral argument. Telling a conservative that his/her moral compass is badly calibrated is like telling a liberal that they don't value or understand freedom/personal choice. It has the effect of shuttering change, and when played out in the news media, these tit-for-tat exchanges mire the policy debate in moral quicksand. And that is really good for the status quo, and bad for change, as The Right knows fullwell and exploits. But policy is, or at least ought to be, influenced by pragmatic factors, like facts.
What might work better is to redirect efforts to convert the Chosen to winning over the undecided or dubious, more-or-less middle of the road audience, and factually demonstrate that (a) there is nothing new about gay parenting or marriage [cf. Canada, Yurrop], (b) we know that no harm comes from it [ditto], (c) and, by the way, all y'all, it is fair and upholding of contemporary standards of fairness, decency and moral reasoning....so the progress of society lies down one path, and regression (or harm) to society down the other. [Plus some allusions to currently generally accepted positive social change since the time of Abraham. Or at least Washington, which seems to be as far back as mostly secular wing-nuts want to go.]
It just takes longer to say all that than "Wow, you're a courageous bigot, thanks for writing that screed!"
Returning the Money?: Would you do the same thing if it were a live cashier who made the mistake?
Gene Weingarten: Of course not. If there was someone who could be blamed for the mistake -- not a machine -- I would return the money right there.
Maybe not an Aptonym but a Great Name Nonetheless: Ky. Governor Ernie Fletcher's campaign spokeswoman is named Jessica Ditto.
Gene Weingarten: Oh, it's an aptonym. When was the last time you heard a spokesperson -- Tony Snow, for example -- say, "Well, the president feels this way, but I, personally, believe he is wrong, and I'll tell you why...."
Olney, Md.: So did you catch Faith Hill's reaction to her loss at last night's CMA's?? You really think it was a joke?
Gene Weingarten: This is really excellent. It is clearly not a joke. Also, is Carrie Underwood that stupid? And what is she wearing? Is that an unattractive dress or what?
washingtonpost.com: As producer of this show it is my duty to insist that all discussion of celebrities take place in the appropriate forum.
Skeptic, AL.: Gene Weingarten: There. Is. No. Such. Thing. As. A. Tasteless. Halloween. Costume.
I think a WTC costume with a scorched airplane sticking out the side, worn on Halloween 2001, would be very close.
Gene Weingarten: Let me try to elaborate on my contention here.
Halloween is a deliberately bizarre night. When adults do a Halloween party, part of the "joke" is grossing each other out. I think of a Halloween party as a temporary suspension of all rules of decency and etiquette. It's like "The Aristocrats." Would you go see the Aristocrats, knowing what you are going to see, and then say, whoa, WAIT A MINUTE ... they're making jokes about people in blackface using feces as makeup!
No, that's part of the joke. In fact, if you will recall, the genesis of the whole movie was the fact that Gilbert Gottfried told a 9/11 joke just after 9/11, and got booed, so decided to REALLY go for it.
So, yes. Burning skyscrapers. Sure. Just that once.
Arlington, Va.: A murdered version of somebody you hate who isn't dead would be a tasteless costume.
Gene Weingarten: No it would not. Because it is a joke.
But we are entering into productive territory. Let's say you are coming to a Halloween party where you know Joe will attend. And you know Joe's wife is dying of cancer. And you come as Joe's dead wife.
I would argue that is an act of obvious cruelty and hostility, and while it may be okay under my rules of engagement, Joe would be legally entitled to remove your eye with a serving fork. No jury would convict.
World Toilet Organization: Yes, there really is one. And they have a game.
Gene Weingarten: Holy crap, as it were. This is hugely complicated. And possibly boring, too. Does anyone have the intestinal fortitude to learn this game and report back?
Washington, D.C.: What kind of pie do you think John Kerry likes? I'm going to bake him one as a thank you for helping us keep the Senate.
Gene Weingarten: I have actually just finished a column on this. Kerry was an amazing douche, but wasn't it stunning how dishonest and damagogic all you Republicans were in your reaction to this? Every single guy standing up there decrying Kerry's insensitivity to the troops (except maybe Bush, whose handlers never explained it to him) knew full well Kerry wasn't being insensitive to the troops. He was just doing lousy standup. My fave was the headline in the Washington Times:
KERRY APOLOGIZES FOR INSULTING TROOPS.
Gene Weingarten: Obviously, this post was writ by a Gopper before the events of Tuesday played out on Wednesday. Haha, you pathetic Gopper.
Washington, D.C.: Oh my God. I just read the "curse of Ham" post and I realized that the first chimp in space was named Ham.
Gene Weingarten: You know, when I first read this post, I laughed and ignored it. On second reading, I am thinking you are right. "The Curse of Ham" was used for centuries as a religious excuse to persecute blacks. How is it that NASA chose this name for a chimp?
Gene Weingarten: Now, FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH, here is the NASA explanation, in context, from a NASA narrative about animals in flight.:
Sam, a rhesus monkey, was one of the most well known monkeys of the space program. His name was an acronym for the U.S. Air Force S chool of A viation M edicine at Brooks Air Force Base, Texas. He was launched on December 4, 1959, housed in a cylindrical capsule within the Mercury spacecraft atop a Little Joe rocket in order to test the launch escape system (LES). Approximately one minute into the flight, traveling at a speed of 3685 mph, the Mercury capsule aborted from the Little Joe launch vehicle. After attaining an altitude of 51 miles, the spacecraft landed safely in the Atlantic Ocean. Sam was recovered, several hours later, with no ill effects from his journey. He was later returned to the colony in which he trained, where he died in November 1982 and his remains were cremated.
Miss Sam, another rhesus monkey and Sam's mate, was launched on January 21, 1960, for another test of the LES. The Mercury capsule attained a velocity of 1800 mph and an altitude of 9 miles. After landing in the Atlantic Ocean 10.8 miles downrange from the launch site, Miss Sam was also retrieved in overall good condition. She was also returned to her training colony until her death on an unknown date.
In the Soviet Union, meanwhile, testing was also taking place on more dogs. On July 28, 1960, Bars ("Panther" or "Lynx") and Lisichka ("Little Fox") were launched on a Korabl Sputnik, a prototype of the Vostok manned spacecraft. The booster exploded on launch, killing the two dogs. On August 19, 1960, Belka ("Squirrel") and Strelka ("Little Arrow") were launched on Sputnik 5 or Korabl Sputnik 2, along with a gray rabbit, 40 mice, 2 rats, and 15 flasks of fruit flies and plants. Strelka later gave birth to a litter of six puppies one of which was given to JFK as a gift for his children. Pchelka ("Little Bee") and Muska ("Little Fly") were launched onboard Sputnik 6 or Korabl Sputnik 3 on December 1, 1960 along with mice, insects, and plants. The capsule and animals burned up on re-entry. On December 22, 1960, soviet scientists attempted to launch Damka ("Little Lady") and Krasavka ("Beauty") on a Korabl Sputnik. However, the upper rocket stage failed and the launch was aborted. The dogs were safely recovered after their unplanned suborbital flight. On March 9, 1961, another Russian dog, Chernushka ("Blackie") was launched on Sputnik 9 or Korabl Sputnik 4. Chernushka was accompanied into space with a dummy cosmonaut, some mice, and a guinea pig. Zvezdochka ("Little Star") was launched onboard Sputnik 10 or Korabl Sputnik 5 on March 25, 1961.The dog went up with simulated cosmonaut "Ivan Ivanovich" and successfully tested the spacecraft's structure and systems.
On January 31, 1961, Ham, whose name was an acronym for Holloman Aero Med, became the first chimpanzee in space, aboard the Mercury Redstone rocket on a sub-orbital flight very similar to Alan Shepard's. Ham was brought from the French Camaroons, West Africa, where he was born July 1957, to Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico in 1959. The original flight plan called for an altitude of 115 miles and speeds ranging up to 4400 mph. However, due to technical problems, the spacecraft carrying Ham reached an altitude of 157 miles and a speed of 5857 mph and landed 422 miles downrange rather than the anticipated 290 miles. Ham performed well during his flight and splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean 60 miles from the recovery ship. He experienced a total of 6.6 minutes of weightlessness during a 16.5-minute flight. A post-flight medical examination found Ham to be slightly fatigued and dehydrated, but in good shape otherwise.
Gene Weingarten: Also, from the NASA article. Interestingly, during the early years of the space program, we made no effort to save the beasts. Just let em slam back to earth, where they died on impact:
On June 11, 1948, a V-2 Blossom launched into space from White Sands, New Mexico carrying Albert I, a rhesus monkey. Lack of fanfare and documentation made Albert an unsung hero of animal astronauts. On June 14, 1948, a second V-2 flight carrying a live Air Force Aeromedical Laboratory monkey, Albert II, attained an altitude of 83 miles. The monkey died on impact. On August 31, 1948, another V-2 was launched and carried an unanaesthetized mouse that was photographed in flight and survived impact. On December 12, 1949, the last V-2 monkey flight was launched at White Sands. Albert IV, a rhesus monkey attached to monitoring instruments, was the payload. It was a successful flight, with no ill effects on the monkey until impact, when it died. In May 1950, the last of the five Aeromedical Laboratory V-2 launches (known as the Albert Series) carried a mouse that was photographed in flight and survived impact.
Did You Know...: To all the Bible believers who say the Bible says homosexuality is wrong...there is also another sin that many Christians do and the Bible mentions it numerous times that it is wrong... that is loaning money with interest...
(Hebrews mentions it the most times...)
Gene Weingarten: Oh, yeah. Leviticus is FULL of that stuff. If you shave your head (Lev. 21:5) or wear clothing made from both wool and linen together (Lev. 19:19) or marry a divorced woman (Lev. 21:7) you have sinned. And if a married couple has sex when the woman is menstruating they are banished from civilized society and left to wander the earth (Lev. 20:18).
Assparagus: I produce the asparagus smell in my urine, I can smell the asparagus urine, AND I can smell it on other peoples skin, ala garlic ooze. Makes for miserable wedding receptions.
Why do certain compounds get excreted through our skin? Don't our bodies break these things down or just flush 'em out? I guess we'll eventually evolve far enough that some folks will excrete cheeseburger smell.
washingtonpost.com: And who is more evolved? Those who smell or those who don't?
Gene Weingarten: Good question, Lizzie. I'm guessing those who cannot smell are more evolved. The ability to track prey or find a mate via analysis of their spoor and exudates is less important now. I think.
Surely you watch 'The Daily Show': Did you see last night's animated "Midterm Elections" segment? And was that meant to be you in the third voting booth, reading "Cheap Poop Joke Monthly"?
Gene Weingarten: This is simply terrific. We'll end on it. As it were.
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Living in California, not only do I come home to messages from the candidates, but from the sponsors of ballot initiatives and propositions - as many as 10 a day. I'm to the point that I have marked my ballot book with the names of the people who called, so I can vote against them. Its the most intrusive, annoying thing about voting. Especially since I have an unlisted number! You'd think they would get the message...
-- barbara in san diego
By washingtonpost.com Editors | November 6, 2006; 4:20 PM ET
Yep, Thomas Jefferson campaigning for Webb:
"A little patience, and we shall see the reign of witches pass over, their spells dissolve, and the people, recovering their true sight, restore their government to its true principles. It is true that in the meantime we are suffering deeply in spirit, and incurring the horrors of a war and long oppressions of enormous public debt......If the game runs sometimes against us at home we must have patience till luck turns, and then we shall have an opportunity of winning back the principles we have lost, for this is a game where principles are at stake." --Thomas Jefferson, 1798, after the passage of the Sedition Act.
Posted by: TJ | November 7, 2006 09:19 AM
Thomas Jefferson would breakdown in tears-or move to Canada, if he were alive to see where the current load of public servants in Congress have allowed this poor Old Republic to go.
Forget the negative ads. The lack of dedication to Democratic principles, actually trumping by the lobbyist system, is much more serious.
Sadly, the narrowing during the past several days in the polls of the portion of Americans supporting separation of powers (I am trying to avoid the partisan comment about growth in the polls of people prefering keeping the Republicans in the majority) is a very sad commentary.
Ken Mehlman got it right that when faced with not voting Republican or voting for a continuation of the skullduggery and wedge politics of the past 6 years, the Republicans will hold their noses and pull the Republican Lever.
Dems still will get a majority of maybe 18. Lose the Senate by 1 or 2.
Posted by: poor richard | November 7, 2006 10:17 AM
If we must have war, lets have it for the right reasons, not for profit and corporate imperialism.
And lets treat our military as good (with a reconstituted and well-funded V.A.) when they return as we do sending them off.
Here's an idea; make the weapons manufacturers pay a 10$ tax for every $100 of weapons they make for war, that is dedicated to future GI medical treatment.
Ponder that one for a while.
The money would probably cover all of it, and then some.
A neocon R would no doubt consider this a threat to his gun and bomb buddies, but I would guess most reasonable people might just see the justice in a "war-weapons V.A. tax"
Also put that surcharge on used weapons like Carlisle Group sells, so they don't get a bye on taking care of the soldiers their armaments eventually injure and cripple.
Posted by: JEP | November 7, 2006 12:43 PM
No Osama is long forgotten as the Republican's menace to the security of (a republican majority) I mean national security.
He's been replaced by a large cartoon cut out of Nancy Pelosi standing next to Henry Waxman.
Posted by: zippy | November 7, 2006 01:09 PM
My comment isn't pro-Republican - it is not intended to be that way - I was shocked - I don't want it to be viewed that way - I was just trying to be realistic. I certainly wish you wouldn't take my comment out of context!!!
And what exactly is going on here with posting? Talk about coincidence -
Posted by: star11 | November 7, 2006 01:25 PM
I have just been trying to get people to pay attention to the Cardin-Steele race and to not take it for granted that Cardin was going to do well. This should not be an election in which the Republican has a chance, much less be a real threat. Only in the last few days have people been paying attention to this race and it maybe too late. Steele is a frightening man - he has no record to stand on and that means we know nothing about what he would do.
Posted by: star11 | November 7, 2006 01:29 PM
Living in California, not only do I come home to messages from the candidates, but from the sponsors of ballot initiatives and propositions - as many as 10 a day. I'm to the point that I have marked my ballot book with the names of the people who called, so I can vote against them. Its the most intrusive, annoying thing about voting. Especially since I have an unlisted number! You'd think they would get the message...
Posted by: barbara san diego | November 7, 2006 01:45 PM
Dem lawyers are asking for a two hour extension at the polls because of problems with the voter registration rolls - and also problems with provisional ballots.
Muncie IN - poll hours extended to 8:45.
Posted by: star11 | November 7, 2006 01:47 PM
Whoops - it might be helpful to know where - Denver and the whole county.
'Dem lawyers are asking for a two hour extension at the polls because of problems with the voter registration rolls - and also problems with provisional ballots.
Muncie IN - poll hours extended to 8:45.'
Posted by: star11 | November 7, 2006 01:51 PM
Fraud in MD Governor and Senate races - from WaPo. . .
'Inaccurate sample ballots describing Republican Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. and Senate candidate Michael S. Steele as Democrats were handed out to voters in at least four polling sites in Prince George's County this morning.
The ballots were handed out by people who said they arrived by buses this morning from Pennsylvania and Delaware. Click on a city or county for area results.
Click on a city or county above for local election results. » Maryland County Ballots & Results » Virginia County Ballots & Results » D.C. Full Ballot & Results In Depth
Maryland D.C. Area Races Learn more about the closely watched congressional races or navigate to your local county races for full ballots.
» COMPLETE COVERAGE Save & Share Article What's This? Digg Google
Erik Markle, one of the people handing out literature for Ehrlich, who is seeking reelection, and Steele, the current lieutenant governor who is campaigning to replace retiring Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D), said he was recruited at a homeless shelter in Philadelphia.
After a two-hour bus ride to Maryland, Markle said the workers were greeted early this morning by first lady Kendel Ehrlich, who thanked them as they were outfitted in T-shirts and hats with the logo for Ehrlich's reelection campaign. Nearly all of those recruited, Markle said, are poor and black. Workers traveled to Maryland in at least seven large buses.'
Posted by: star11 | November 7, 2006 01:57 PM
Wherever did you get demographics that show you the Washington 8th Congressional District's underlying demographics are Democratic? I don't think a Democrat has ever been elected in that district.
Posted by: Helen | November 7, 2006 02:06 PM
Anyone that votes Republican this go around,must have had their eyes closed for the last 6 years,and must be thrilled with the way the country is headed,of coarse that would make them an Idiot or at least an oil executive.Im expecting NBC not to broadcast the election results tonight.About 2 weeks ago they refused to run a commercial for the Dixie Chicks new documentary,NBC said they wouldnt run it because it would be to disparaging to the President,Im pretty sure the election results are going to be pretty disparaging for Bush tonight,ergo no results on NBC huh? Elmer Fudd would do a better job than the liars crooks and thieves in the current administration.(for you young people Elmer Fudd is a cartoon character) With Conservatives like Abermoff,Delay,Gingrich,Bob Ney,etc etc etc,how can anyone remain a republican and hold their head up?Its Time for a Change!!
Posted by: Bill | November 7, 2006 03:28 PM
Today is our day to voice ourselves! But is that really true? Do we live in a democracy or is this ployarchy (think Will Robinson's book Promoting Polyarchy)? Today we stand up for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; for our values as US citizens. However, how can we say that we believe in our values with 37 million people within our great free nation live in poverty, the majority of them children? How can we say that this is life? Today we need to get out and vote for liberty, for life, for ESC rights! Vote for people who will address issues of poverty, especially the Millennium Development Goals! The Millennium Development Goals will be the greatest achievement of our time! The Borgen Project, a Seattle-based non-profit, is working to achieve these goals! Let's end poverty and improve the lives of others!!!
Posted by: EndPovertyGirlNow2000 | November 7, 2006 03:52 PM
I hate living in an uncompetitive district. The opposition to the incumbent is weak here. I am very unhappy with the incumbent because of his voting record. But he is counting on his incumbency to win.I've contacted the person many times by E-mail only to get a generic response about an issue I did not write about. I don't know much about his challenger and I hate making a choice based on my dislike of an incumbent, but this year I am voting exactly that way.
Posted by: Cynthia | November 7, 2006 04:18 PM
I grew up in the Washington, DC area and the great leaders of our country were always part of my life. I looked up to Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln and knew that they stood for what is best about our country. They put what was right for the country first. So many of the leaders we have in place now and their decisions scare me. Do you have any idea how other countries now view our country? We have a lot of work to do to not only repair the damage overseas but more importantly to take care of our own people here at home!
When I vote today I will vote for the Democrats running not because they are Democrats but because I feel they will be the best leaders. Tony Knowles is a tested leader and our state needs help at this point. Someone who has concrete ideas about how to make life better in our state. I will vote for Diane Benson in hopes that someone I can be proud of represents my state in Washington. It will take strong leaders with vision and caring to turn our country around. I want a better place for my grandson to grow up in.
Posted by: Alaskan Woman | November 7, 2006 05:06 PM
the prob?: can you say, 'Karl Rove' ?... eh?
Posted by: Alan | November 7, 2006 06:05 PM
I was trying to get an update on the elections and couldn't find any on US news sites, but the BBC is already trumpeting that the Republicans have won both the senate and the house. This is probably a good thing actually, as now anything that goes wrong in the next two years will be blamed entirely on Republicans. I expect a lot of trouble, everywhere, not just in Iraq. The US economy is headed into serious trouble with debt likely to crush the US$ and an energy crisis just waiting to do the same. Another war should guarantee American decline as well, and we all know that this president will want to go out with a bang, literally.
Posted by: William Jorgensen | November 7, 2006 06:18 PM
> I was trying to get an update on the elections and couldn't find any on US news sites, but the BBC is already trumpeting that the Republicans have won both the senate and the house.
??? I just visited bbc.com and they are reporting the same thing as here, basically "America is voting, and both chambers are up for grabs". Care to link to your claim, William?
Posted by: Mark | November 7, 2006 08:33 PM
In a safely Republican state (perhaps the most conservative in the nation per capita) I voted against a safely Democratic incumbent. To me, voting for the Democrat candidate was exactly the same as voting for his Republican challenger. On issues I truly care about, from the Iraq war to the repeal of tax cuts, from fiscal discipline to greater Congressional oversight, the Democrat was as much a Bush candidate as was his challenger. If I could tell the Democratic candidate anything, it would be that voter anger goes both ways this election season.
Posted by: JoshuaM | November 7, 2006 09:16 PM
And take a look at Nancy Boyda out here in Kansas!!!
Posted by: JEP | November 7, 2006 10:40 PM
In Arizona, Gabrielle Giffords, who ran a very positive and upbeat campaign, wins over Rick Graf for the retiring Jim Kolbe's House seat. Graf ran a muckracking, low-brow, negative attack campaign against her. It just shows that it is possible to stay on the positive side in a campaign and win. She will bring a new and bipartisan energy to the House--something badly needed in our country. Bipartisan government works for us all. The Bush crowd and the Republicans have spent the last 6 years showing us how unilateral, one-party government doesn't. Thank God for politicians like her!
Posted by: Chris Petro | November 7, 2006 11:23 PM
I live in Iowa District 2, where you note that Dave Loebsack, a Democrat, is close to beating Jim Leach, Republican. This is as shocking as any race in the nation. Iowa City is extremely D and liberal, but has long loved Jim Leach, probably the most liberal R House member in the nation. If Loebsack wins, it'll be because he stayed positive, with no negative ads, and offered arguments instead of invective--he even ran a commercial saying, essentially, "Jim Leach is a good man, but if you want change, we can't vote for R's this time around, no matter how much we like them." Leach also ran no negative ads. It's made this Iowa 2nd District citizen proud to be a part of American democracy, where ideas should always triumph over ideology.
Posted by: Nic Arp | November 8, 2006 12:08 AM
can you say DEMS WIN BIG. Where are bhommes, Tina and KoZ now?? I've got some crow frying in a pan for them.
Posted by: Rob Millette | November 8, 2006 12:23 AM
The long nightmare of House GOP rule is over. Thank GOD.
Posted by: Shaun | November 8, 2006 12:24 AM
I live in PA and we got rid of rubber-stamp Rick Santorium! CHEERS. He voted 98 percent of the time with Bush, even supporting his right to suspend the Writ of Habeus Corpus against his fellow Senator Spectre.
The GOP is already trying to spin the results. A change in House Seats is typical at a presidents 6 year mark they say. What a load of BULL! Significant Midterms are the exception, not the norm. When there have been significant Mid Term changes it has almost always been because of the lack of presidential popularity. Bush was the first President since FDR in 1934 to pick up seats in both Houses in his first term. That was largely because we were doing the right thing in Afghanistan. All of that power went straight to his head and he took the Country seriously off-track!
Thank God the Country did not fall for Roves bag of barnstorming tricks this time around! Hope they get the message in the White House. This midterm is a message from the American people. It is not simply a case of history repeating itself unless of course we are talking about Vietnam.
Posted by: BASA78 | November 8, 2006 12:44 AM
Every single one of you people have no brain at all. You watch CNN for your news, and punch the straight ticket like you really think what you see on TV is the truth about these jokers. This country is headed to the pits of corruption like you've never seen, on both sides.......the sad part is, they both have the solutions. BS.
Posted by: Don | November 8, 2006 01:01 AM
The power, if not the reign, of the worst president in the history of the United States has been ended by Americans. Thank you America. God bless America. Let the investigations begin.
Posted by: | November 8, 2006 01:47 AM
The US politics can kill its allies. What will be the fate of those fighting alongside the US in Iraq, Afhanistan and elsewhere if R's hands are tied up by D? What if President Bush is ousted from the White House together with his war on terror and the axis of evil? Who in the world will be able to trust and fight with the US when it is always subjected to the whims of its liberal citizens? South Vietnam was abandoned halfway and millions of its US-allied officials and officers were tortured in Vietnam's Communist gulags. Is it time to abandon its Iraq and Afghanistan local allies? The US is indeed a giant with a double personality, which should not be trusted as it is dangerous to fight with it for any cause.
Posted by: Hideo Kaito, Tokyo | November 8, 2006 02:08 AM
The integrity of all Americans has been restored!!! Please let this be a reminder to all that government should represent everyone and not just a few. Now that we have our victory, let's celebrate for a moment and then get to work fixing the partisan situation in Washington. We need to grind a few axes, but ushering in a new era of bi-partisianship is should be the issue du jour.
Posted by: Terry | November 8, 2006 02:26 AM
Hey Repairman, where are you tonight? It still ain't over in the House, but it looks like a 25-30 house gain for Dem. I think my prediction on house was on target. Time will tell.......
Observations: Moderate GOP seats in Northeas and strong centrist candidates in the Midwest have propelled the DEMS margin of victory.
I do hope the DEMS find middle ground and not duplicate the errors of the GOP. The Neocons turned folks to the DEM party. They should govern with out idealogy at the center of their agenda. Govern will sensibility and common sense. IF you dont have a consensus, dont do as the GOP and eat your own. Table it until compromises can reached. The reality is the DEM must govern closer to the middle so they can keep pushing the GOP further to the right. IF anyone thinks that putting a liberal agenda on social issues front and center, really must not have a grasp of where the majority of America believes in. I suspect Rove is laying in wait for DEMS to go down this road. He already has the ads made up.
I personally would like to thank all of the liberal bloggers who dogged this election and provided a counter balance to the necon proganda machine called Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, Washington Times etc. It think they absolutely WAS the differnce in defining the debate against the GOP. Congrats on a great night.
On to the senate....I may be wrong. Looks like DEms win by 1 as long as GOP does not send it to the supreme court for it to be stolen again.
Finally, the NEOCONS reign of lies, torture, distortion, proganda, and corruption is coming to an end. They are done.... stick a fork in them.
On that note, Stick A FORK's moniker is officially retired.
Posted by: Stick A Fork In IT | November 8, 2006 02:28 AM
The Republicans took both the house and the Senate and introduced "The Contract With America", sounding a supposed death knell to "liberal" democractic politics. About a decade later, americans are now turning out the Republicans.
One of the more minor points, yet telling, is that none (maybe one in Georgia) incumbent Democrat lost in this "off" year election.
With the House of Representatives solidly in Democratic control and the Senate possibly 50-50, the Democrats have been given a huge opportunity. The democrats have a chance to make substantive changes not only to the agenda in congress, but the outcomes as well.
The major point for me in analyzing this is: The American people got tired of the type of policies and politics about 10 years ago, and the American people are tired of the policies and politics being provided to us currently. We need substantive public policies that are beneficial to all, we need substantive solutions to a growing list of critical issues with which we are faced, we need substantive action taken quickly on world wide issues, and we need for our politicians to work together to ensure this happens.
To the democrats: I hope Ms. Pelosi's speech about working together and correcting problems does occur and I hope the democrats remember their right to govern was withdrawn. To the Republicans: I hope that you truly understand the angst that exists with the restless public and and work with the democrats to find common ground in passing appropriate laws, for you now know the sting of losing your right to govern.
I feel the most significant point that both parties should get from this is: the politics that currently exist in this nation is a mess and we, the American people, are fed up with it. Change what you do and how you act, start fixing the problems, begin passing sound and enduring public policies that correct the problems we see and feel everyday.
For the "new" democratic majority: get this done. You have a short period of time in which to convince us that you deserve this blessing we have bestowed upon you. For this, too, can be short lived.
The ultimate check and balance? 1 person, 1 vote. The framers of our constitution were truly special individuals who had a tremendous desire to create a lasting democracy. We should thank them. We all must work at making it last.
Posted by: saratogan | November 8, 2006 03:35 AM
I forgot to mention this in my previous post, but PLEASE RESTORE HABEUS CORPUS!!! America is not a Banana republic and the responsibility to uphold moral decency falls upon us. We are the bearers of democracy and all that is right so we need to repeal this horrific law.
I lost friends in both the 911 and Bali attacks, but I'll be damned if I betray their legacy by supporting legislation that reduces our country to that of a two-bit dictatorship.
Posted by: Terry | November 8, 2006 04:22 AM
Well congratulations America, you have just voted in the party the islamic fascists hoped you would! Now they will see that their election tactics of death and destruction have worked here, just as they did in Spain.
Sheesh! At this point, I am going to start preparing for the worst as the terrorists will see this election as a sign of our weakness. I can only hope that when the next attacks do come, that more of the naive, political opportunist democrats will be killed. For this is a turning point in which the democrats have proven to the terrorists that this country has no spine and is ready for the taking.
Posted by: Jason | November 8, 2006 04:31 AM
I hope that this manifestation of voters takes this country in a new direction. A country of loving and caring people, a country that can make peace and a country of continuous prosperity. If this new direction that the senate claims it wants to takes this country to does not happen we will all be disappointed.
Posted by: pedro el resvaloso | November 8, 2006 06:10 AM
Posted by: Concerned | November 8, 2006 06:37 AM
The American people HAVE INDEED spoken! They have admitted to the world that everything in America is politics. Especially the war on terror. What the heck NEW direction are the dems going to take us in Iraq? Give me a break. This wasn't a vote for change, it was a knee-jerk reaction to bad things happening in the world and the dems will do NO BETTER because the truth is the economy is strong, education and health care will be status-quo no matter who is in charge. I can't believe Pelosi; she called on the Bush administration to work with the congress on taking Iraq in a new direction. WHAT DIRECTION? Run away! Run away!
Posted by: Joe T | November 8, 2006 07:10 AM
- A screaming Bush-bashing media!
Posted by: Al | November 8, 2006 07:12 AM
I am so disaapointed in the two National Committees and their tasteless, nasty ads in the last two-three weeks. These ads were full of actual lies, of innuendos, and of statements that left out over half of the truth, turning around the meanings of what the candidates had said. Most of us knew these ads for what they were - ads beyond the pale of decency. As the voting has shown, most of us also were able to ignore these hateful ads and do the research necessary to discover the truth about these candidates. Shame on both National Committees! Spend that money in a more truthful manner; or perhaps spend those millions of dollars doing some good in your country that counts on you to do just that?
Posted by: MarchDancer | November 8, 2006 07:28 AM
It will be interesting to see just how long it will take before a Dem led house will quickly fall into in-fighting and grandstanding. If they do, their chances in 08 are dismal.
Posted by: Mr. Jimmy | November 8, 2006 07:34 AM
Reading some of these comments is making me wonder 'where have these people been'? Every one cries Partisan politics unless it is THEIR party doing it and LIBERALS are the worse. How soon we forget. The laughing stock that is the democratic party are reaping knee-jerk reaction benefits and they think it is a mandate. Go ahead and celebrate you just did the terrorists the biggest of favors by voting in the weak party. The bad guys played you liberals like a fiddle and you are celebrating like you won something. All the American people have done is won a victory for thugs like Bin-Laden, Azakawi, and their ilk. Lest we forget, The Writ of Habeas Corpus has been suspended before in our history, it isn't like our founding fathers were turning over in their graves. But this time it was suspended against enemies of this country who would hide behind OUR OWN LAWS. Wake up people...
Posted by: Joe T | November 8, 2006 07:51 AM
1) The election was not a national repudiation of Bush. Politics is still local. Most Dem House winners are moderates. 2) The Senate is still close to 50/50. 3) The country, as a whole, still votes 50/50. 4) 20% on either fringe, the mushy middle makes the difference. 5) Conservatives have to be civil and articulate and aggressive about explaining what we believe and why and win over people philosophically. 6) Bush pre-Snow was the worst White House ever about explaining policy. 7) Getting hung up (and hung out to dry) on WMD's was world-class stupid. 8) Not realizing/ explaining the long hard slog was, too.
Chin up. Speak the truth in love. Take what we can get and soldier on.
Posted by: Salt | November 8, 2006 08:23 AM
"The election was not a national repudiation of Bush.."
Then why did every candidate he visited this week lose miserably?
Anyone else find it inrteresting that Bush'slast-minute visits was a kiss of political death to just about every R he visited?
If that doesn't represent a repuciation of monumental proportions, you are either in denial or in cahoots.
Posted by: JEP | November 8, 2006 08:50 AM
If Bush/Cheney/Rove et al thought 50.7% of the popular vote was a "mandate" in 2004, what the heck do they call this? Instead of "Stay the Course" or "Cut and Run", the American people are saying "Cut the Crap".
Posted by: Mr. Snardley | November 8, 2006 08:57 AM
"it isn't like our founding fathers were turning over in their graves.."
NO, ACTUALLY, I would guess they were doing front triple somersaults with multiple twists, and that is why we responded the way we did and boosted these homegrown terrorists (the neocon enablers) from office.
I'm not completely surprised with the sour-grapes bitterness we are seeing on the part of these frustrated R posters, sounds like a lot of "wah-wah-wah" to me.
Grow up and live with your fate, we kicked your soft teeth down your whiney throats, so live with it. You're the ones who invented the phraze. And your party deserves every loss it suffers, especially because of things like "macaca" and "playboy ads."
If you want to play hardball so bad, don't cry about it when you get hit by a pitch.
"There's no crying in baseball," ...or in hardball politics.
Posted by: JEP | November 8, 2006 08:58 AM
"Bush pre-Snow was the worst White House ever about explaining policy."
Posted by: JEP | November 8, 2006 09:00 AM
Tony, just say you're sorry, it will all be OK...
Posted by: JEP | November 8, 2006 09:02 AM
"Shame on both National Committees! Spend that money in a more truthful manner; or perhaps spend those millions of dollars doing some good in your country that counts on you to do just that?"
Sorry, but nothing the Dems did comes close to the sleaze the R's put out, if you're trying to put them on the same page, you are simplifying a comlex formula, and you won't find a righteous answer by doing that.
Putting the playboy ad in the same moral category as an issues ad that attacks a candidates lousy policies is just another form of denial.
Negative campaigning is one thing, sleazy campaigning is another. And until we all are willing to admit there is a difference,, we will never have serious guidelines to protect the public from the sleaze factor.
I doubt that ANYONE who can show us a negative ad made by the Dems that is an outright lie, or is completely without issues like the playboy ad.
Negative ads reveal some truth the MSM will never touch. But when it is pure fiction and race-baiting (not tomention class baiting and sexist) THERE OUGHT TO BE A LAW!!!
Don't trivialize the sleaze factor by lumping it all into one "negative" category, there IS a difference, and the R's suffered because of it.
Posted by: JEP | November 8, 2006 09:11 AM
So, what ever happened to Osama Bin-what's-his-name?
Why isn't the mastermind of 9-11 the one being "hanged by the neck until dead..."
Osama's Bin Hidin' and no one seems to be looking for him.
Maybe they want to keep him at large and handy until 2008? They'll probably need him to provide some more video soundbites to scare all those fearful evangelicals into voting R one more time.
Boy, howdy, what a trump card he'll make then!
Posted by: JEP | November 8, 2006 09:19 AM
"HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT KOZ?'
I think we can change that to "rookofzouk", maybe "pawnofzouk" but King is a bit royal for such a loser...
Posted by: JEP | November 8, 2006 09:27 AM
Lets all be friends again?
Posted by: JEP | November 8, 2006 09:29 AM
Iraq was the major consideration in my vote. It takes a real genius to create an unsolvable dilemma, and we have one in Iraq. (Success in Iraq is dependent on our training the Iraqi Army and Police so that they stop the Iraqis from killing themselves and U.S. troops. But, the Iraqi Army and Police are made up of Iraqis who seek to kill other Iraqis and U.S. Troops). We were stupid to go to war with Iraq when we did not have to. And, now we cannot come up with an acceptable strategy for "success" because we've created an impossible situation.
"Intellect separates the possible from the impossible. Reason, the sensible from the senseless." So, I voted to hold accountable the people who created this deadly circle jerk. I voted to hopefully help America lay a new foundation back towards the proven combination of intellect and reason. (Both qualities are found lacking in the administration).
We have other problems, and the party that was in power was too small to fill the suit. Two glaring examples:
- The right and just war of Afghanistan is now failing. The Taliban are resurgent. We have no solution for this reality, and that's just criminal.
- Our military is apparently over-extended, and this invites challenge, and makes us less safe. (See N. Korea. See Iran. See Hugo Chavez).
Arrogance and ignorance gets people killed.
Even more, the economy sucks for the average American.
Lastly, but as important, the self-enrichment, corruption, cronyism, waste, fraud and war profiteering makes all of us very, very angry!!!
Posted by: Bob Miller | November 8, 2006 09:30 AM
I think we've seen the last of the Pretender of Zouk.
It is indeed a good day. This is the first time I've felt good about an election in over 15 years. Now the hard work begins.
Posted by: Zathras | November 8, 2006 09:44 AM
The Jefferson quote says it all. The entire world longs to see the return of reason to the Great Republic, with the only exceptions being those who themselves proffer tyrrany. Let's hope the " Reign of Witches " is truly coming to an end. Good on you neighbour !
Posted by: Leorbeau, Canada | November 8, 2006 09:47 AM
One thing that will be interesting to see is what the lame duck Congress does. Remember that there are still ~6 weeks of a Republican Congress. I'll bet they'll be trying over and over again to ram through as much legislation while they can. There will be more legislation discussed and voted on in the next 6 weeks than there has been in the last year.
Posted by: Zathras | November 8, 2006 09:49 AM
IN MY OPINION THE DEMOCRAT'S WON THE MAJORITY OF THE HOUSE BECAUSE THEY PLAN TO REPRESENT AMERICAN PUBLIC OPINION ITSELF LET ALONE PUBLIC OPINION ABOUT THE IRAQ WAR.
Representing public opinion is something that Bush and Cheney has refused to do; the administration officials have refused to do and the Republican representatives refuse to do.
Posted by: Elizabeth | November 8, 2006 09:57 AM
I voted by absentee ballot in Arlington, VA. Delighted with the defeats of Republitoids, but not confident the Democrats will do what needs to be done, namely, initiate the impeachment process for Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld.
I think we have to demonstrate to ourselves and the world that we repudiate the immorality and corruption of Bush and his cronies. Forget the conciliatory talk. Nail the Republitoids for the evils they have perpetrated. Jail those who allowed the war industries to launch the wars that generated revenue for them.
Nobody around the world trusts the US anymore. In so few years, Bush and his fellow fiends have shown a rapacious, immoral US, not the US of my birth and upbringing. Let's prove that we are responsible, humane, and well-intended human beings who work for the benefit of the many, not the few.
Posted by: Jonathan Harger | November 8, 2006 10:03 AM
I am an American who lives overseas and have watched the rebirth of the Ugly American in the guise of neocons careless use of power and a grossly arrogant Republican leadership. Power without checks and balances corrupts. I voted by absentee ballot and after watching the results come in last night, as I have so many times before, I woke up this morning to be proud of my fellow Americans. You were not sleeeping. You do care about CORRUPTION! Even though you don't know what it is like to live in Iraq with no electricity or water or an increase from 400 to 800 incidents a day, you do realize something is horribly wrong and being done in our names.
We may not have realized or thought it important that our Constitution was actually under threat or that there needed to be a balance of power in Washington, but we did finally realize that we were being lied to -- about so much.
Tom Delay is actually getting airplay today and he sounds like the typical man who horns his wife -- still passing the blame to someone else other than looking to his own actions. Disgusting. Wrong and strong to the end. I feel to slap his mother because she raised this type of dishonorable man, rewarding the wrong behaviour, inflicting her bad parenting on the nation, and is probably proud of him.
Well, while I watch from abroad, my fellow Americans, keep the Democrats in check and make sure we get what we want. Don't ever let anyone do wrong in our name because those injustices resound to our future generations who will be accountable for flawed foreign policy. Write those representatives and tell them what you expect and what you don't want. Insist on accountability in Iraq. A minority got rich there with no bid contracts - Don't forget to investigate Kellogg's activities over there.
But beware. It may be in the interest of some who care so little for our families (as they care so little for those brave soldiers that they have casually sent in harm's way), that they may now turn a blind eye to a terrorist threat so that they can blame the Democrats for not protecting us.
Posted by: zorro | November 8, 2006 10:05 AM
I think the MSM has gotten it wrong all the way around. The democrats might be the victors, but remember what herr bush said. It's the terrorists that have won. Anyone that voted for the dems should be ashamed of themselves. You're either with the neocons or against them, and if you're against them you're an Al Qaeda loving traitor. This country is apparenlty full of un-American traitors. I cannot believe all of the people who did not obey the president. How dare you people defy the king! We're done now. I think we need to figure out what happened here and waterboarding of some of these liberals is in order.
Posted by: Glen | November 8, 2006 10:11 AM
Elizabeth, not only do the repuglicons not represent mainstream America, but just last week Satan, I mean dick cheney, said that what the American people want isn't a consideration. Cheney said, "It doesn't matter if the war is unpopular. We're going full speed ahead." In other words, we know what is best and don't really care what the people think or want. Cheney needs to go back to sitting at the right hand of Satan where he belongs and take his neocon cronies with him.
Posted by: Glen | November 8, 2006 10:15 AM
"Now the hard work begins."
And it should be quite gratifying work.
...while not wanting to trivialize the necessity of the moment, one might call it "fun."
Lets put the "party" back into The Party.
Which will serve to keep this snowball rolling, and gaining some serious progressive poundage.
2008 is just around the corner, when will the Fix be back with a Presidential thread?
Posted by: JEP | November 8, 2006 10:40 AM
Constitutional Checks and Balances have been voted into office people. That is all that has happened, and look at some of the responses to the will of the people:
QUOTE "congratulations America, you have just voted in the party the islamic fascists hoped you would!" UNQUOTE
Hitler called himself a Christian.
Congratulations America. You have re-established Constitutional Checks and Balances in our National Government. Hopefully this will allow debate driven policy decisions and help to counter the effects of Terrorism which are converting our Democracy into a Theocratic crusading fascist regime.
QUOTE "...the US when it is always subjected to the whims of its liberal citizens?" UNQUOTE The American people support just, and moral wars. We even go so far as to help our devastated enemies rebuild their Countries when all the fighting is done. Japan remains as just one example of that fact. Support erodes when the American people are lied to. Liberals do not dictate American policy, and to make statements like that demostrates an ignorance of American democracy and policy.
Along with most of the world, We supported the invasion of Afghanistan to get Bin Laden. Along with most of the world, as illustrated by these midterms, we do not support the conduct of the war in Iraq. It is not making the World a safer place, but rather it is creating a whole new generation of extremists as we stay the course to a dead end/dead head , ego-driven policy that is mired in a state of denial. The goal in Iraq now seems to be "not losing". That certainly is not winning the war, or the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people.
Posted by: basa78 | November 8, 2006 10:50 AM
"I personally would like to thank all of the liberal bloggers who dogged this election.."
See you in the next blog, Forkman, let us know what your new moniker is when you transition.
Posted by: JEP | November 8, 2006 10:53 AM
In reading the posts and listening to some of the GOP'ers on television this morning, you would think that the sky is falling. I agree with many who say that the country is disgusted with the policies and politics of fear and smear by the GOP, but, the DNC has also ran its share of smarmy ads. In the Indiana 2nd where I live, soon to be former Congressman Chocola never once ran an ad touting his accomplishments in office; instead, he went negative from the beginning, trying to smear his opponent and frighten the voters by using the Nancy Pelosi message. Guess what, we booted the rubber stamp for GWB!
I would like to address the RNC and DNC negative ads: PLEASE STOP! I realize these ads do work, however, it would be refreshing if the parties refused to use this message in the future and tell us what they plan to do if elected. It could send a message to both parties if, in the future, the first party to go negative was voted out of office or snubbed by the electorate. Maybe then, and only then, will this idiocy of negavitity end.
Posted by: Mike Ayers | November 8, 2006 11:00 AM
Redeploy to Darfur and Afghanistan!
In Afghanistan, send our hunters, in Darfur send our warriors.
And before we depart Iraq, help reshuffle endangerd ethnic Iraqis away from areas where ethnic cleansing will inevitably occur, then leave Iraq to their local militias.
We have armed them to the teeth and enabled them with a cause, we have given them many martyrs. Most of the Iraqi "police" we train have loyalties to these local militias.
So, no matter how it started, that is how it will end.
If they can find peace among themselves, they will be the more worthy for it.
But as long as we are in Iraq, we are grasping a three-wedge grenade; when we "toppled" Saddam we pulled the pin, and now we're standing there holding on to it, with two options, to stand there and wait for it to go off, or toss it far enough away it doesn't hurt our troops.
Considering those options, I'd say its time to toss that grenade.
And since we're so close, why not redeploy to Darfur and Afghanistan...
That would represent a very cost effective transition towards both humanitarian benevolence and justified malevolence.
Which is what any real superwpower should be concerned with, instead of petty, monopolist imperialism.
Posted by: JEP | November 8, 2006 11:52 AM
And since we're so close, why not redeploy to Darfur and Afghanistan...
Call it "cut and fight"
Posted by: JEP | November 8, 2006 11:56 AM
Those last two posts were for Joe T, if he's so itchin' for a fight, then do something worthwhile with it, don't paddle around like ducks in a shooting gallery in a place where we give a half a million guns away without any records.
That isn't strategy, it's stupidity. Later...
PS; CS, let me know what you think of that email idea.
Posted by: JEP | November 8, 2006 12:06 PM
Zorro, I'm with ya bud.
Posted by: JEP | November 8, 2006 12:11 PM
This isn't rocket science, folks. The Republicans lost for the following reasons:
Pandering - The increase in set asides is an example as is cutting taxes without reining in spending. Also the Christian Right overplayed their hand after the '04 election (and were overplayed to) on such the issue of stem cell research. Attempting to buy votes hopefully has finally come home to roost.
Incompetence - There are plenty of examples of this in Congress but most voter blame on this count goes to the president. For example, Rumsfeld was right about the ability of the military to remove Saddam with a light, nimble force but he was wrong about how to handle the occupation. Being wrong is not necessarily incompetent but failing to deal with mistakes or finding someone who can is.
Irresponsibility - Avoiding action on critical issues is beyond irresponsible. Even if you're skeptical about the effects of global warming, it is mind numbing to believe that Congress and the administration can't see pumping hundreds of billions of dollars into Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and Sudan is a REALLY bad idea. Effectively ignoring this issue while doing every thing you can to protect old race horses from the slaughter house is reason enough to hand Republican congressmen their hats and that's before we even get to the issues of healthcare and retiring baby-boomers.
If the Dems take this lesson to heart and get serious about effective federal government, they will gain more seats in '08 but if they fall into the same trap the Republicans have, incumbent turnover in 2 years will make yesterday's turnover look like a gentle wave (at least I hope so).
P.S. I invite everyone who hasn't to please read David Broder's latest series of articles and particularly Michael Kinsley's op-ed of 11/7. They say it a lot better then I can.
Posted by: Greg Allen | November 8, 2006 12:12 PM
To all the whining Repubs out there,thinking the economy is in good shape shows your lack of brains.If you believe that,then next year youll probably be a millionaire,Dah.When your King George tells you how many jobs he's created,do you notice he does'nt tell you how many have been lost,thats because they out number the ones he's created!!Unemployment figures are also deceiving,after your unemployment runs out ,your no longer considered unemployed even if your still not working.The federal deficit is so high that out grandchildrens grandchildren wont even get it paid,we are in debt to China among other communist countries for the loans Bush has taken out to fight the war in Iraq.Gas,diesel and utilities are through the roof causing skyrocketing food prices.So you say gas has come down,thats the ploy ya nuts,you shouldnt be happy till they are back to what they were,like $1.50 a gal. or less,dont just settle. Look at your party,pediphiles,extortion,kickbacks,deals under the table,giving away vidal secrets to our enemies,and turning over our own agents in the field,scandal after scandal.Even the Generals in our military says Rumsfelt must go,But does King George listen?Noooooooo,he actually thinks he is a king.(not)But Oh he is talking bi partisanship now Huh? This adminitration has lied to,cheated and killed our American Military and the American people from day one. For all the people that love our Military know you should not sent troops back into battle 2,3,and 4 times and extend their tours of duty without their consent,thats not what you can call an all voluteer military.Republicans should realize they do not have a monopoly on patriotism,its not enough to love your Country,you have to love is citizens!!So Quit being fools and be an American,dont believe everything your told,check somethings out for yourselves.
Posted by: Bill | November 8, 2006 12:19 PM
Praise ye the Lord, all ye Evangelicals! Let 6hy voices rise in praise of a merciful - and just - Lord!
Be not so Haggard and so woebegone. For the Belle Dame from San Francisco will soon be in the Speaker's chair, wielding her gavel sans merci.
Posted by: E. B. Rideout, Northern California | November 8, 2006 12:21 PM
One of the most impressive things about the results is the number of Dems who picked up seats in what have been pretty much bedrock Republican districts. Consider Arcuri's win in the open (and historically Rep. held) central NY district seat, stepping over a popular and seemingly moderate Republican in Ray Meier. And Clay Shaw's loss in FL 13th, bordering Foley's district to the south. Shaw had been a Century City darling in that seat since 1980--right up until he sold out on the prescription drug bill. Witnessing this kind of sea change just awes me to think that this is exactly how the Framers planned it. Check and balance. I'm prouder of being an American than I've felt for a while.
Posted by: Clarence Oddbody | November 8, 2006 12:22 PM
Very proud to be from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania! We have a great govenor, Ed Rendell, and new Senator Bob Casey and our district a new house rep Joe Sestak. All full of new ideas and optimism.
Posted by: Ann | November 8, 2006 12:23 PM
I've scouted the likely threads looking for bhoomes, the RNC Troll and Tina (along with her other pseudonyms). I though that at least bhoomes would show up today.
Regular readers may remember the Troll's threat months ago threat to return on November 8th and tell everybody else what LOSERS they are.
Looks like they all opted to Cut and Run.
Apologies from them to Rep. Murtha?
Posted by: Nor'Easter | November 8, 2006 02:22 PM
Stick A Fork In IT - I've enjoyed the posts. Keep the moniker handy - hopefully it can come out of retirement for a couple of months in two years.
Posted by: Nor'Easter | November 8, 2006 02:26 PM
I love this country, most especially today. Bush controlling the news cycle with Rummie riding off into the sunset is anticlimatic because I want Rummy to at least have to clean Abu Ghraib prison with a toothbrush and then stick it in his mouth after he uses it to shine the boots of each and every Iraq and Afghanistan deployed serving member of the armed forces.
He should receive no retirement package - that money should go to all the widows and widowers he made and the thousands of injured who are coming home as amputees or with head injuries.
Remember what Rummy did in Feb 2003? Army chief of staff Gen. Eric K. Shinseki, told the truth when he reluctantly answered a senator who wanted his opinion on how many troops it would take to occupy Iraq.
Shinseki said based on his experience as the first commander in Bosnia, that it might take "several hundred thousand soldiers" to occupy Iraq with its 25 million people.
So how did Rummy punish him for telling the truth about inadequate U.S. troop strength? He fast-tracked his retirement, took away one of his stars, thereby slashing his retirement pay. He and his neocons also made him a lame duck by leaking the name of his successor over a year before he was to retire.
He wasn't the only general to be treated this way for calling for more troops. Army Lt. Gen. John Riggs was quoted (Baltimore Sun, 13 Sep 2004) that we needed substantially more than 10,000 soldiers while Rummy was busy convincing Congress that we didn't need any more.
Riggs said, "I've never seen the Army as stretched ... as I have today."
Riggs had already requested retirement. Two days before his retirement papers were ready Riggs was told that he was being demoted to two-star rank.
Meanwhile, Rummy kept saying anything military commanders want they will get.
I wonder who Rummy will go work for now to add further insult to the American people. Northrop Grumman?
I hate people profiting from their misdeeds. He needs to be tried for something. Too bad misappropriation of human life is not a federal offence.
Anyway, hopefully he will be one of the first subpoenaed so he can tell the most lies under oath. Where is John Dean when you need him!
Posted by: zorro | November 8, 2006 10:50 PM
Stick a fork -- Don't retire just yet.
Posted by: zorro | November 8, 2006 11:02 PM
In a tribute to the dazzling transformation in the past 24 hours to our esteemed Lame Duck "Prez Daffy" Bush, that only a transvestite could appreciate, Stick A Fork In It has been reincarnated and moved forward in time to 2008.
I read with interest on the Drudge report that Dick Tater, formerly King of Zook, is pleading for Nover Grotesque to funnel funds to his off shore account so he can entertain ex-Bushies.
On NAMBLY Blog Site, Foe Lee is bragging about his diddling with teen age midgets. Apparently his last trip to Fantasy Island was a hoot. He and Rover came up with a new ad targeting vulernable Democratic congressman called "da Plame" 'da Plame" Blame it on Plame.
Let's see, on Bimbaugh.orgy, Bloomerman is having a go at with PeanutButter and Jelly Sandwich about how the DEMS stole Christmas in 2006.
Apprarently, the Bloomster was The Mehlmen's secret lover until Senator Linseed came on the scene Appparently he blames the DEMS for dirty tricks on election night 2006 when a video appeared on YouTube showing "The Mehlmen" modelling for for the Victoria Secrets holiday magazine. From news accounts in Dec. '06, after the photo shoot, Linseed jumped at the chance to co-star in a new Fox News programs called "Desperate Homees".
Well, that's about all that is going on in Nov. 2008. Last nights election was a cliffhanger with ???? ????? stay tuned.
Posted by: Libetarian Dem | November 9, 2006 02:28 AM
I challenge anybody to solve the problems the US and the Free World is facing: terror, the axis of evil, the Islamic Fundamentalism revived dark ambition for a world-wide theocracy and others. Many, esp. the Democrats are just taking the sand-box attitude, presuming they dont exist or blaming them on the Republicans, Bush or Rumsfeld. It is easy to criticize other people. So long as you do not know how to respect and support your democratically elected leaders, you will be losers in any wars, from Vietnam to Iraq or Afghanistan. Why did you give them a near 100 support when the war started, and then get tired, bored and turn against them? Remember Vietnam. The situation was the same. Who among you can do better than Bush and Rum? Let us see what face can solve the mess. Yes, Rum was right at his final speech: This is the first war of its own kind of the twenty-first century. No other troops in the world have ever had to fight a religiously incited war like the US forces in the mid of a fanatic mass. Wait and see. Many kinds of enemies and rivals of the US and its ideals, old and new, will continue to kindle and incite hatred and weakened this leading country and your very double political personality and the double-edged democracy knife will continue to make you break your promises with your allies and render you helpless when the wars you are fighting need your integrity the best. But Cest la vie! Life is but a Vietnam War, a poor Rumsfeld that frets and struts his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more. It is a tale told by a Democrat, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
Posted by: H. Kaito | November 9, 2006 06:31 AM
The American people are kind. But apparently we are not suicidal. We give our leaders every chance to succeed. But with our lives and the futures of our children in the balance, if the MAJORITY of us don't believe what you are doing in our names is in our best interest, then we must exercise our constitutional rights to look out for our own interest.
That's our democracy and it works. Otherwise its civil war like Iraq.
Posted by: Diana - overseas voter | November 9, 2006 08:44 AM
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Fix Rumsfeld's Mess
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Lahore, Pakistan - The first and most important act for a newly elected U.S. House and Senate is to impeach Donald Rumsfeld. The defense secretary waged incompetent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, undermined the U.S. military, introduced torture, destroyed U.S. credibility worldwide, lied to the American people, caused the unnecessary deaths of tens of thousands of Iraqi and Afghan civilians, failed to catch the perpetrators of 9/11 despite access to unlimited funds and caused the U.S. to enter a long period of isolation from the world.
Nothing less could help restore the credibility of the U.S. government amongst its own people and the peoples of the world. Failure to do so would only entrench the view in many minds that lies, torture and arrogance are now part of the U.S. government's agenda. There is little doubt that the next U.S. administration is likely to take the country into a prolonged period of international isolationism, which will cause enormous damage worldwide and be extremely beneficial to dictatorships. Rumsfeld will be heavily responsible for this.
By Ahmed Rashid | November 6, 2006; 4:52 PM ET Previous: Pressure Pakistan's Leadership |
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/cgi-bin/mt/mtb.cgi/13009
I totally agree that Rumsfeld should be removed from office, but also Karl Rove and Vice Pres. Cheney. This triumvirate has been disastrous for the US, and I fear that if the Democrats aren't able to change a number of laws that the Republicans put in, the US is itself heading towards a dictatorship. So many laws need amending, so many procedures need cancelling -- I have been reminded of the fall of the Weimer Republic in Germany. Thanks for all you write -- keep it up!
Posted by: G Titman, Peachtree City GA USA | November 7, 2006 02:10 PM
There should be a clean sweep including the second and third rung guys. We should also include those that have caused damage and moved on such as Wolfowitz, Bremer et al. At a minimum they should never be allowed to serve in the Government again.
Posted by: GaryV, San Francisco, USA | November 7, 2006 02:48 PM
Ha... you liberals are all the same. Rummy and crew have taken the USA to new levels of power and glory. And even if the liberal wussies take congress Bush actaully stands up for what he believes and will not let Rummy go without a fight!
Posted by: Matt, DC, USA | November 7, 2006 05:41 PM
Yea no kidding.... Rumsfeld is just the man we need for the tought times we are in. Who the hell cares what some guys in Pakistan think. What we need to do is bomb more of their madrassas like we did last week.
Posted by: Mark, Allentown, PA | November 7, 2006 05:43 PM
I think we all agree mistakes have been made. The difference is that Bush and Rumsfeld want to move forward and are seeking victory. The liberal naysayers simply want to point their fingers and say 'na na we told you.' That is not how you win a war. I voted for Bush twice and once again I voted for the winning team today.
Posted by: Vikki, Colorado Springs, CO | November 7, 2006 05:49 PM
It's not enough to impeach them...Congress needs to review the damage that has been done to civil service and other public institutions. Rumsfeld's movement towards corporate style management has already put a dent in civil service checks and balances against elected and, especially, appointed officials' abuses. The "spoils system" is already on the road to being reinstitited. If somebody doesn't step in and ensure whistleblower and other protections are re-secured, the whole system will be running like the Banana Republic Rummy's been dreaming of since he came on board.
Posted by: Solange | November 7, 2006 05:50 PM
why are we letting someone from Lahore lecture us on how to run our own country? If foreigners want a say in how things work in America then they should immigrate here and become citizens. Until then they can keep their opinions to themselves.
Posted by: upsman, Trenton, NJ | November 7, 2006 05:52 PM
Amen to Mark! Mr Rashid why don't you tackle the problem of anti Semitic Islamic fascists in Pakistan, and we will worry about Mr Rumsfeld here in America. The problem is not the Bush Administration. The problem is radical Islam. we must wipe it out, and introduce secular rule. Then this debate will be over.
Posted by: finemann | November 7, 2006 05:55 PM
Don't you love how European and Middle Eastern elitists are so quick to condemn the USA for the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq? War was brought to us on 9/11. Had it not been for those Islamic wackos we would not have been compelled to take on the fascists around the world. Whether they are Islamic Fascists in Afghanistan or Baathist Fascists in Baghdad, this was not a war of our choosing. America in her righteous might will bring the divine light of democratic rule to the world. That will be the Bush legacy.
Posted by: Bo, New London, NH | November 7, 2006 06:01 PM
I think the comment is extremely well taken. There is little doubt at this point about Rumsfeld's rampant criminality. He has used the powers of SecDef to obscure much of it. He needs to be removed from office and then we need a special prosecutor to start looking at what he did, pealing back all the fraudulently applied national security classifications. There are serious war crimes for sure, and much abuse of office.
Posted by: Scott, New York, USA | November 8, 2006 09:52 AM
The definition of fascism includes the 'suppression of criticism and opposition.' In denigrating any opposing voice (whether from inside or out), some of these comments ironically extol the virtues of fanaticism.
Again ironic: Hitler's rhetoric was nearly identical with this confidence in 'righteous might.' The 'divine light of democrat rule' equates God with a certain form of government, blazing a path toward American theocracy.
And again ironic: the very people saying we have no business listening to a foreign voice are themselves commenting on foreign affairs, hoping to be heard and taken seriously.
People incapable of critique from the outside will end up destroying the very things they wish to preserve.
Posted by: Amy, Minneapolis, U.S. | November 8, 2006 10:27 AM
Removing them from office is not enough.
They need be prosecuted for the crimes of Iraq.
Posted by: Karim | November 8, 2006 10:40 AM
I am very disappointed that Donald Rumsfeld had to resign. It is a very tough position that he has held. It's no easy job for anyone. He has been tough as nails and that's what you need to do in this type of situation is to show strength. We're dealing with irrational insurgents and he was able to make great strides against them. The media is always first to show the missteps but how much have they covered of the positive steps that have been made over there under Rumsfeld's leadership?
Posted by: Barbara, Scottsdale, U.S | November 8, 2006 01:59 PM
What's the meaning of impeaching someone who's already resigned?
Posted by: Doug High Point, NC | November 8, 2006 03:11 PM
"great strides"? please. I ask, where is BIn Laden, the man responsible for 9/11? Rumsfeld is the first to get what he deserves. I hope the rest pay their dues for their arrogance, criminality, and their lies. They will be seen as the most corrupt administration to ever serve.
Posted by: Ricardo, Rutland, VT | November 8, 2006 04:08 PM
In his quest for total control of the universe, Rumsfeld has greatly damaged military and civil service professionalism. During his tenure, we have witnessed outstanding civilian and military personnel be pushed aside, passed by or worse, in favor of Rummybutt-snorklers. In the meantime, a plethora of poor-quality civilian managerial and military officer PowerPoint rangers are moving into supervisory roles for which many are woefully unqualified.
Rajiv Chandrasekaran's Life in the Emerald City is just the tip of the iceberg...
By reducing outside-party oversight, Rumsfeld-induced changes to DoD civil service codes are in the process of ensuring that nepotism, cronyism, fraud, waste and abuse become the legally entrenched foundation for what will eventually prove a crumbling system.
For an archetypical example of Rumsfeld/Cheney's attack on civil service, and by extension the American public, Google "Bunnatine Greenhouse," "Haliburton," and "contracting fraud."
Posted by: Solange | November 8, 2006 06:05 PM
1- Over 600,000 civilian deaths since the invasion
2- 50,000 Iraqis flee their country every single month.
3- 1.8 million refugees displaced internally
4- 1.2 million refugees in neighboring countries
5- 39% of Iraq's population is under the age of 15. How many children have suffered?
6- Over 80% if Iraq's institutions of higher educations have been destroyed, looted and burnt down
7- The current Iraq's school curriculum is a U.S-crafted (by the Pentagon) curriculum to brainwash Iraqi with US government propaganda.
8- In Baghdad, most neighborhoods only have power for few hours per day. The Green Zone where the war criminals sit and direct their immoral war is powered 24/7.
9- DO I NEED TO CONTINUE?
THIS WAR IS A CRIME.
Posted by: Karim | November 8, 2006 06:16 PM
"9- DO I NEED TO CONTINUE?"
You forgot to mention Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld/Project for a New American Century's campaign to privatize Iraq's publicly owned resources to allow "foreign companies" (like Bechtel) to jack the Iraqi cost of living up while looting 100% of future profits.
Posted by: Solange | November 8, 2006 07:07 PM
taking about human interference,put g.bosh ,rumsfeld,blair,in the same cage with sadam hussein.also apply the guilt by association crap to the rest of the world leaders.taking about human values,practice what you preach,and see the trunk in your owen eyes befor you see the staw in the eyes of the others.this is a recorded univesal values .
Posted by: magdy omar -alex-egypt | November 9, 2006 01:03 AM
The world is an unsafer place because of Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld. Most Muslims are peace loving family oriented people. But more and more radical fanatics have been created by Israel and USA by following blindly the course of armed action and occupation of foreign lands. As South Africa and Northern Ireland showed War War did not bring peace. Talk Talk brings peace. Discussion and negotiation over years with continual small compromises on both sides ends in peace. Violence just begats violence, creates hatred and radical acts. Civilised people and countries realise that discussion is the way to get people to agree and not using a gun or bomb. People become terrorists if they believe they are victimised and have no way of changing the circumstances of their kith and kin. Do not marginalise radical movements bring them close. It is more humane and cheaper than armed violence. No one likes bullies. So please Israel and USA start talking and stop using violence as the only solution.
Posted by: Doug Cape Town | November 9, 2006 01:14 AM
"Violence just begats violence, creates hatred and radical acts."
Unfortunately, it also creates lucrative disaster capitalism profiteering opportunities for corporations like Bechtel and Haliburton...
Posted by: Solange | November 9, 2006 08:11 AM
"Ha... you liberals are all the same. Rummy and crew have taken the USA to new levels of power and glory. And even if the liberal wussies take congress Bush actaully stands up for what he believes and will not let Rummy go without a fight!"
Yep, that turned out. Next prognostication, please.
Posted by: Jim, Madison, USA | November 9, 2006 04:40 PM
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Ahmed Rashid at washingtonpost.com's PostGlobal
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Polls Open Around the Nation in Midterm Elections
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Americans are voting today in midterm elections that have become a gauge of sentiment on the war in Iraq and could leave President Bush facing an opposition Congress for his final two years in office.
Lines developed quickly at polls in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and other states with competitive races, as Democrats pushed for gains across the board and Republicans hoped a last-minute campaign and turnout push will leave them in control of both chambers. Turnout was robust in Washington's Maryland and Virginia suburbs.
Thirty-three Senate seats and all 435 spots in the House of Representatives are on the ballot. Thirty-six states will choose a governor.
Record numbers of absentee ballots were already in hand in some states, including Maryland, and election officials across the country were crossing their fingers that difficulty with electronic voting and other systems -- recurrent since President Bush's first victory in 2000 -- could be avoided this time.
Voting began as early as 6 a.m. Eastern Standard Time in some states under weather that included predictions of heavy rain in parts of Tennessee and Virginia, where close races could determine control of the Senate.
In addition, torrential rain and flooding in Washington state led local officials to declare a state of emergency that included the 8th Congressional District, site of a close contest between incumbent Rep. Dave Reichert (R) and Democratic challenger Darcy Burner. There was concern the flooding could disrupt polling in rural areas throughout that district, and voters were told they could cast provisional ballots at any accessible voting site. Some highways in the state were reported closed this morning.
Nationally, attention has centered on nine Senate and perhaps three dozen House races that could shift control of Congress. Those included close local Senate races between Virginia Sen. George Allen (R) and Democratic challenger James Webb, and, in Maryland, between Rep. Benjamin Cardin (D) and Republican Lt. Gov. Michael Steele.
Republicans have controlled the House since 1994 and the Senate since 2002; Democrats need to gain 15 seats for a majority in the House and six for a majority in the Senate.
The campaign has been cast in stark and often personal terms, with negative ads and character attacks a feature of many races, and the conflict in Iraq providing an emotional and violent backdrop. Three-and-a-half years into the war, with sectarian tension flaring and more than 2,800 U.S. soldiers dead, Democrats argue that a shift in policy is needed, Republicans that they will better handle the security issues facing the United States.
Scandal has also played a role, from the influence-peddling case of lobbyist Jack Abramoff to the salacious e-mails former congressman Mark Foley sent to congressional pages. Those and other issues have tilted the field against some incumbents and turned seemingly safe seats into contested ones.
Both parties spent the final days and hours of the campaign trying to boost turnout, calculating that close races in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio and Montana could sway national policy. A Republican spokesman in Ohio said the party contacted 344,000 voters on Monday alone, urging them to cast ballots.
Campaigning for an open Senate seat in Tennessee, Harold Ford Jr. was counting on a massive turnout in his hometown of Memphis, where he is known simply as "Junior," to defeat Republican Bob Coker, the former mayor of Chattanooga.
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Americans are voting today in midterm elections that have become a gauge of sentiment on the war in Iraq and could leave President Bush facing an opposition Congress for his final two years in office.
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President Who Sees in Absolutes Awaits Voters' Definitive Answer
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PENSACOLA, Fla., Nov. 6 -- These are trying times for President Bush. On the last day of the last campaign that will affect him directly, he came here as a favor to his brother on behalf of the Republican candidate for governor. Only the Republican candidate for governor skipped the event. Too busy, he said, to be with the president of the United States.
So it goes these days. Bush shrugged it off and delivered a robust speech, firing up a crowd of Republicans and defiantly predicting victory. Any doubt he may harbor, he kept to himself. Any feelings of regret are locked tight inside. The rest of the world may see an unpopular president in the midst of an unpopular war. But Bush soldiers on. He does not publicly stew as other presidents have. He powers through event after event as if he were still the leader the country rallied behind after Sept. 11, 2001.
To his critics, it sometimes seems as if Bush lives in his own world, oblivious or unwilling to accept the shifting reality around him. His is a world of absolutes. "I view this as a struggle of good versus evil," he said the other day about the war with terrorists. To Bush, that is strength, not weakness -- the certitude of conviction, the power of principle. He's "the decider" in a business afflicted by equivocation and thumb-sucking.
Few deciders have gone through such a period in which the decisions seemed so out of their hands. He told North Korea not to test nuclear weapons, but Pyongyang detonated a bomb anyway. He tells Iran to stop pursuing nuclear weapons, only to have Tehran thumb its nose. He orders generals to find a way to stabilize Iraq, but bombs and bullets claimed more U.S. lives in October than in any other month in two years.
Now the voters are the deciders, and it's a verdict Bush can no longer influence. They will decide whether to give him back a Congress that stands by him more often than not or to turn over at least one house to the opposition to force change. Bush insists he's not worried. But at least one person who saw him in private a few days ago interpreted his body language to mean that he did not think Tuesday will be a great day for him.
Bush woke up Monday at his ranch in Crawford, Tex., and was briefed by strategist Karl Rove on the shifting races. Rove told reporters later that of 20 recent polls in critical places, 16 had moved in the Republican direction and three were flat. "I knew we were going to finish strong," Bush said here.
Bush is not a nervous election-eve politician, obsessively poring over precinct-by-precinct reports, but he can be edgy or impatient and understands what is on the line, according to associates. As he embarked on his last day on the trail, Laura Bush came along, a calming presence during moments of pressure.
The president and his staff were offended by the last-minute snub by Charlie Crist, the Republican candidate to succeed term-limited Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. The White House scheduled the stop here in the conservative Panhandle as a favor to Jeb Bush entirely for Crist's benefit. But Crist decided to go elsewhere in the state. The White House schedule Monday morning still listed Crist as introducing the president.
Rove did not hide his consternation: "Rather than being with the governor and the president and 10,000 people in Pensacola, they made a last-minute decision to go to Palm Beach. Let's look at the comparison. Let's see how many people show up in Palm Beach on 24 hours' notice versus 8,000 or 9,000 people in Pensacola."
The president was left with a rainy-day rally here for no one. The local congressman does not face a competitive race and the Bush brothers are estranged from Rep. Katherine Harris, the GOP Senate candidate, who polls show losing in a rout. Harris was given a three-minute speaking slot more than an hour before the president arrived and was not on stage during his appearance. Bush mentioned her only once in passing.
At times, Bush appears confounded by the political problems confronting him. He is absolutely certain that, as he puts it, "they're coming after us," meaning terrorists, but does not understand why many others do not see it with the clarity he does. "I am in disbelief that people don't take these people seriously," he told National Review and other conservative outlets last month.
That conversation provided a glimpse into Bush's aggravation and isolation. One participant, Lawrence Kudlow of CNBC, told Bush that he has supported the war but was discouraged and looking for hope.
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America's Crisis of Confidence
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Here's something to think about when you cast your vote today: A new study shows that Americans have lost faith in the people who lead their federal, state and local governments, and in businesses, churches and schools. And they are afraid to fly.
"America is in trouble," reads the introduction to the 2006 National Leadership Index, sponsored by U.S. News & World Report and the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. According to the report, nearly three-quarters of Americans think that the nation faces a "leadership crisis."
This is the survey's second year, and it has been downhill all the way, said Todd Pittinsky, the center's research director. "Most groups are following the general trend of having low confidence and, if anything, having that confidence slip further."
The only leaders who earn more than a smidgen of Americans' confidence, the researchers say, are those in the military and medical fields. (Confidence in the media didn't slip, but it was in the sewer already.)
"We could have asked about grandmothers," Pittinsky said. "Maybe we could have had more confidence in grandmothers."
The researchers hope the survey will "contribute to our ongoing civic dialogue -- deepening our understanding of ourselves and the pressing need for effective, responsible democratic leadership."
Sounds scary. Like the section called "Global Leadership and Fear," in which 1,600 people were asked: "How optimistic do you feel about the safety of the United States from a terrorist attack?" Half felt at least a wee bit optimistic. But of the other half, 18 percent were somewhat pessimistic, and 16 percent wigged into the panicky "very pessimistic" category. Oddly, an additional 15 percent were neither pessimistic nor optimistic about the nation's safety.
Perhaps, joked survey researcher and assistant professor Seth Rosenthal, these are people "so paralyzed they can't even tell you if they're pessimistic."
The researchers also asked: "If you flew today, how confident do you feel that you would be safe from terrorist harm on a domestic flight?" Nearly half sucked it up on this one, saying they felt confident about flying safely. But 13 percent put a potential evildoer on every plane. "That's pretty bad," Rosenthal said. "Obviously there aren't planes being dropped out of the sky every day."
Blending fears of leadership failure and flying, the study further found that "Americans who are not confident at all that government leaders in Washington will respond effectively to an emergency crisis are less confident than other Americans about their safety from a terrorist attack on a domestic flight."
The group was asked to guess where the United States ranks among the top 32 industrialized nations in terms of citizens' life expectancy, economic equality and mathematics literacy.
Sunny optimism: The group put the United States in 10th place for longevity, and 15th for both economic equality and math skills.
Misplaced optimism, it turns out: Global rankings place the nation in 24th place for longevity, 30th for economic equality and 25th for math literacy. In other words, we are more elitist and lousier in math than even these disappointed, mistrustful and frightened Americans imagined. And we'll all die sooner than they thought.
"Americans . . . hold the country in high esteem," Rosenthal said. "Maybe higher than is realistic."
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Here's something to think about when you cast your vote today: A new study shows that Americans have lost faith in the people who lead their federal, state and local governments, and in businesses, churches and schools. And they are afraid to fly.
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A Hymn to Yesterday
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Most of the choir and orchestra sit tomb-silent, as a single oboe's lament rises over the welling strings, soft as a mourner's sigh.
It is for Linda, written by Paul, and everyone in the room knows it.
Paul -- McCartney -- leans way back and tips his face skyward in his small chair, set in the middle of this converted church. He's been tapping his toes and singing along with "Ecce Cor Meum" ("Behold My Heart"), the piece he spent eight years composing. Before its Nov. 3 premiere at Royal Albert Hall the next night, the singers and musicians are rehearsing the one-hour work -- including the interlude, a long and aching elegy to Linda McCartney, who died of breast cancer in 1998 during the composing of "Ecce."
Now Paul is staring straight up into the air, to the hall's elegantly detailed 30-foot ceiling, or maybe beyond.
A few of the idle cello players and sopranos look at him. The man is as famous as France; it's hard not to stare. Others fiddle with their horns or stare awkwardly at their sheet music.
Paul and Linda seem to be having a moment.
And with all the smarm and scandal battering the 64-year-old former Beatle these days, nobody is about to spoil it.
Outside the warm bubble of the rehearsal space, Macca, as the tabloids here call him, is up to his yellow submarine in lurid scandal. He and the former model he married four years after Linda's death, Heather Mills McCartney, split up in May after four years together. With a fortune in the neighborhood of $1.5 billion on the line, documents from the divorce proceedings keep appearing mysteriously -- via anonymous fax -- on the front pages of the British tabloids.
Heather alleges ugly things; according to those news reports, her version of Sir Paul is dark and controlling, almost cartoonishly psychotic, like a Liverpudlian Snidely Whiplash. It is also almost universally disbelieved in a country that has known McCartney since he was a floppy-haired teenager.
Oddball stories from Heather's past, along with long-ago nude photos from a sex manual, have done little to help her public image. By saying almost nothing, Macca has won the battle for the taxi drivers' hearts. But it is clearly a battle he doesn't want, and he is taking a painful beating.
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Get style news headlines from The Washington Post, including entertainment news, comics, horoscopes, crossword, TV, Dear Abby. arts/theater, Sunday Source and weekend section. Washington Post columnists, movie/book reviews, Carolyn Hax, Tom Shales.
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Ortega Set To Reclaim Nicaraguan Presidency
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MANAGUA, Nicaragua, Nov. 6 -- Daniel Ortega, the former Marxist president and nemesis of President Ronald Reagan, appears to have won back Nicaragua's top job.
With 62 percent of precincts reporting, Ortega was comfortably leading the field of five presidential contenders with 39 percent of the vote, virtually ensuring him a first-round win under Nicaragua's electoral rules.
In a public appearance Monday night, Ortega, 60, declined to declare victory until the full count was in. "We are ready to work together [with the other candidates] to eradicate the poverty of Nicaragua, to provide security to the private sector, to provide security to the diverse foreigners in our country . . . and to develop relations with the entire international community," Ortega said, as his wife and campaign manager, Rosario Murillo, stood grinning by his side.
If the results from Sunday's vote hold, they will mark a stunning comeback for the Cold War icon, who has failed twice to regain power since 1990, when voters disillusioned by a decade-long war with U.S.-backed insurgents and government abuses cast his Sandinista National Liberation Front from office.
Ortega's return to Nicaragua's presidency would also constitute an embarrassing setback for the Bush administration. American officials have recently made thinly veiled threats that the United States would impose economic sanctions and other punitive measures if Ortega was reelected, arguing that Ortega has not changed despite his embrace of Catholicism, pronouncements in favor of a market economy and efforts to cast himself as the candidate of "reconciliation."
U.S. officials appeared motivated in part by concerns that Ortega would be an eager partner in pushing an anti-American alliance with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Ortega's return is particularly galling to many in the Bush administration who devoted their careers to getting rid of him in the 1980s.
Longtime political analysts in Managua said that Ortega was too pragmatic to attempt to resurrect controversial policies implemented during his 1979-90 government that drew international condemnation -- such as military conscription, confiscation of some private property and press censorship.
"Ortega is not going to be stupid and commit the mistakes of the past," said Emilio Alvarez, an analyst and critic of the Sandinistas. "He knows that the Soviet parachute is gone and that he is totally dependent on the assistance of the United States, the International Monetary Fund and foreign investment."
Instead, Alvarez predicted that Ortega would try to reach out to Nicaragua's impoverished populace with more modest measures, such as raising taxes to pay for salary increases for low-level government workers and for increased spending on education.
Still Alvarez worried that Ortega "is erratic. He has these messianic dreams of being the savior of the people that make him vulnerable to unworkable economic schemes."
During the campaign, Ortega caused alarm in the business community by suggesting that he wanted to compel banks to lower the fees they charge Nicaraguans living overseas to wire money to relatives back home.
Carlos Chamorro, editor of the respected weekly newsmagazine Confidencial who broke with the Sandinistas a decade ago, agreed. "Nobody thinks the country is going to go belly up with Ortega," said Chamorro, whose mother, Violeta Chamorro, defeated Ortega in the 1990 elections. "But he represents a step backwards because he could bring economic uncertainty and slow the process of investment and job creation."
Ortega's supporters, including many underemployed youths too young to remember the years of Sandinista rule, are convinced that he is the only candidate who empathizes with their plight. As word of his early lead filtered out, they poured into Managua's streets, setting off firecrackers and cheering ecstatically.
Ortega's closest rivals, meanwhile, held news conferences Monday to announce that they were not yet ready to accept defeat.
"This is not over until the last vote is counted," said Eduardo Montealegre of the Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance, who trailed Ortega by 8 points in the preliminary count.
Jose Rizo, of the Constitutionalist Liberal Party, said the preliminary results were misleading because they did not include many polling stations in Nicaragua's remote rural areas, where his support is strongest. He said a count by his campaign workers put him close enough behind Ortega to force a runoff election.
However, the results released by the electoral commission were bolstered by similar findings from a "quick count" of a representative sample of ballots released Monday by Ethics and Transparency, a widely respected Nicaraguan civic group that fielded 11,050 observers to every polling and counting center in the nation to carry out their own tally alongside the official one.
At a news conference in Managua on Monday, Pablo Ayon, president of Ethics and Transparency, said their count, giving Ortega 38 percent of the vote, had a margin of error of 1.7 percent.
Although there were complaints of irregularities at some polling stations, international observer teams declared that the election was orderly and lawful.
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MANAGUA, Nicaragua, Nov. 6 -- Daniel Ortega, the former Marxist president and nemesis of President Ronald Reagan, appears to have won back Nicaragua's top job.
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The Hole Truth - washingtonpost.com
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When it comes to body piercing, the formerly fringe procedure that has moved into the mainstream, medical experts have a message: Don't try this at home. Or maybe at all.
Those warnings by groups representing dermatologic surgeons, dentists and other medical authorities have acquired new urgency after two cases in which teenage girls nearly died as a result of infections they developed from botched piercings.
We can help you find the right work environment with competitive benefits.
Three weeks ago Indiana surgeons removed the breast of an 18-year-old diabetic whose torso was invaded by flesh-eating bacteria surrounding the nipple rings she acquired at a salon to celebrate her birthday. A few days later a Boston mother was sentenced to 18 months in prison for failing to seek medical attention for her 13-year-old daughter, who suffered major organ damage from an infection that resulted after the girl pierced her own belly button.
Other reports in medical journals include a sewing needle that disappeared during a do-it-yourself tongue piercing and had to be extracted by oral surgeons; a variety of serious, drug-resistant bacterial infections; hepatitis and tetanus; fractured teeth and nerve damage from tongue studs; as well as permanent scarring.
"People think it's hip and cool, but they don't realize that it's not like getting your ears pierced," said Eugene Giannini, president of the D.C. Dental Society, who, like the American Dental Association, opposes oral piercings. Giannini said he has seen gum damage and speech problems among his nearly two dozen patients who have tongue studs. "I think people need to be informed consumers if they're going to have it done."
For nearly half a century, earlobe piercing -- one hole in each ear -- has been a rite of passage for American teenage girls. In the past decade, the practice of using a needle to make tiny holes in the upper ear, nose, tongue, lip, eyebrow, nipples or even genitals for the purpose of wearing body jewelry has become more common, doctors say, particularly among those under 30.
For some wearers, piercing is a statement of rebellion or of self-expression; for others the adornment is purely decorative. Body piercing is widespread in some cultures.
It's impossible to determine how many Americans have piercings -- or how many have problems as a result. A study published two months ago in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology involving more than 500 participants between 18 and 50 found that 24 percent had tattoos and 14 percent had piercings other than in an earlobe. Piercings were more common among women.
"It's become remarkably popular," said Jeffrey S. Dover, a dermatologic surgeon in Boston who says he routinely sees patients, most of them young and female, sporting hoops on their upper ears, barbell-shaped tongue studs or jeweled navel rings. "A lot of my nursing staff have them," he added, attributing the popularity in part to the influence of numerous celebrities with piercings, among them Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Tommy Lee and Dennis Rodman.
Twenty years ago, observed Dover, who is affiliated with the Yale University School of Medicine, it was rare to see a man wearing an earring. These days many professional football players sport at least one glittery diamond stud the size of a nickel.
Those under 30 are not the only devotees of piercing, said Doris J. Day, a cosmetic dermatologist who practices on Manhattan's posh Upper East Side. "I do skin cancer checks on my patients every year, and some of the most buttoned-down CEO types -- people you'd never expect to have piercings -- have them where you least expect it," said Day, who estimates that at least 50 of her patients wear jewelry in places other than the earlobe.
Donna I. Meltzer, an associate professor of family medicine at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, said she became interested in the subject about seven years ago after treating a spate of pregnant women with infections from navel rings -- and could find virtually nothing in the medical literature.
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When it comes to body piercing, the formerly fringe procedure that has moved into the mainstream, medical experts have a message: Don't try this at home. Or maybe at all. Donna I. Meltzer, an associate professor of family medicine at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, said she...
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Week 10 Rankings
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With the Bears losing and now facing three straight road games, the still-unbeaten Colts take over the top spot. They've lapped the field after winning in Denver and New England in consecutive weeks, but they're still not the same overwhelming team they were at this time last season. The Giants are the class of the NFC but have injury issues. David Garrard gets the Jaguars back into the top 10, and the inconsistent Falcons fall to 11th. The Seahawks move up and await the return of Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselbeck. At the bottom, it gets ever more embarrassing for the Steelers. 1. Colts (8-0)... 2* 2. Giants (6-2)... 4 3. Chargers (6-2)... 6 4. Broncos (6-2)... 7 5. Bears (7-1)... 1 6. Patriots (6-2)... 3 7. Ravens (6-2)... 8 8. Saints (6-2)... 9 9. Chiefs (5-3)... 10 10. Jaguars (5-3)... 12 11. Falcons (5-3)... 5 12. Seahawks (5-3)... 18 13. Panthers (4-4)... 14 14. Bengals (4-4)... 13 15. Rams (4-4)... 15 16. Cowboys (4-4)... 11 17. Vikings (4-4)... 16 18. Eagles (4-4)... 19 19. Jets (4-4)... 20 20. Redskins (3-5)... 27 21. Bills (3-5)... 26 22. 49ers (3-5)... 28 23. Dolphins (2-6)... 31 24. Packers (3-5)... 17 25. Lions (2-6)... 30 26. Titans (2-6)... 21 27. Browns (2-6)... 22 28. Raiders (2-6)... 23 29. Buccaneers (2-6)... 24 30. Texans (2-6)... 25 31. Steelers (2-6)... 29 32. Cardinals (1-7)... 32 *Last Week's Rank
By Mark Maske | November 7, 2006; 12:10 PM ET | Category: Rankings Previous: CB Jones Rejoins Titans | Next: Raiders' Brayton Facing Likely League Discipline
Prepare to move the Browns on up. They will win a close one against the Falcons this weekend.
Thank you Steelers for showing up for a couple weeks this season. It sure would be nice if someone in the AFC North would expose Baltimore for mediocre team it is (Cincy I'm looking in your direction.
Posted by: Glass half full | November 7, 2006 1:56 PM
Giants at #2, after they barely get by the lowly Texans? You really think they could beat the Broncos?
Titans/Browns/Texams above the Steelers? Dude, get a grip on reality.
Posted by: Um | November 7, 2006 1:59 PM
The Cards are who we THOUGHT they were!
Posted by: dennygreen | November 7, 2006 2:22 PM
The Raiders aren't the worst team in football? Sure, the Cardinals have more losses, and who knows how the Raiders won 2, but Walter holds on to the ball longer than Britney Spears holds onto a boyfriend, Randy Moss suddenly discovered that he can't hold onto the ball when he's using his hands to hold onto all the money he has, and their #1 draft pick offensive tackle/guard/is there another position I can't play? can't block anybody so Lamont Jordan can't run. The Cards might get better, but the Raiders won't. Chargers are gonna have a tough time without Merriman sometime...I think.
Posted by: The Soos | November 7, 2006 2:29 PM
Steelers #31? That is ridiculous and a joke. If you had to put the mortgage on a game with the Steelers and any other team with a losing record would you really only take the Steelers against the Cardinals. Let's at least try to be reasonable! Sure it's not looking good for the Super Bowl Champs but #31 is excesssive.
Posted by: DB | November 7, 2006 3:25 PM
Why is that Colts-Patriots games are shceduled only at Foxboro and not alternatively at Indy. It looks like NFL including the Referee's are biased towards Patriots as we have noticed in the last game in which the referee gives 1st down on 4th and inches.
Posted by: Foster Edwards | November 7, 2006 3:38 PM
Mark, You actually think the Browns are better then the Steelers? If you do you should be writing obit's because you obvioulsy know NOTHING about sports.
Posted by: JR | November 7, 2006 3:46 PM
No one was willing to predict that Ravens 'll go all the way in 2001 and same thing going to happen again. But the unit at Baltimore is committed, determined and focused. They have some issues with their secondary but not short in talent as soon as they fixed those issues Ravens will be tough to beat.
Posted by: Moodi | November 7, 2006 3:51 PM
Didn't the Cowboys just trounce the Panthers in Charlotte? Can I have one order of logic, please?
Posted by: SMACK | November 7, 2006 4:00 PM
Another Steeler fan very surprised to see them ranked 31st. Thats much to generous, they should be ranked 33rd. I realize there are only 32 teams, but I'm convinced the Steelers could find a way to lose on their bye week. They are that bad.
The Steelers have learned that the key to losing is to give the game away. In their last 3 games, with their backs against the wall, the Steelers have turned the ball over 16 times. 16 frickin times in pivotal can't-lose games. Thats unbelievable!
Tell me, can the Raiders, Cardinals, or Browns do that? I think not.
We're number 33! We're number 33! We're number 33! We're number 33!
Posted by: GoSteelersWinThatNumberOneDraftPick | November 7, 2006 4:03 PM
Steelers at 31.....what a joke!!!
Yes the Steelers have been terrible, but largely as a result of turnovers and a very tough schedule.
I would think that they beat 8 out of 10 of the bottom teams on a neutral field.
Posted by: Crazy | November 7, 2006 4:11 PM
Steelers - 31st? Clearly, the Steelers are sucking hard this year. Their problems are primarily due to turnovers, not an inept offense or a lack of talented players or coaches. They deserve to be at least as high as the Redskins based on the quality of opponents (except the Raiders) and their overall offensive stats.
In fact, the Steelers would beat the Redskins 8 out of 10 times on either field, but what does it matter, neither one is going to the playoffs.
Posted by: MaskeIsAnIdiot | November 7, 2006 4:23 PM
It's not last season any more. You don't get carryover points for that. At the moment, the Steelers are terrible. It stopped being about what a tough schedule they have when they lost to the Raiders. As for the Cowboys, they didn't JUST beat the Panthers. What they JUST did was find the most ridiculous way possible to lose a game they never should have lost.
Posted by: Mark Maske | November 7, 2006 4:39 PM
Well my last comment must've been censored, but to the steelers fans out there: They deserve to be at the bottom.
I'm afraid Mark is jinxing the Giants by making them #2.
Posted by: Jints fan | November 7, 2006 4:53 PM
MaskeIsAnIdiot writes: Their problems are primarily due to turnovers, not an inept offense or a lack of talented players or coaches.
That would be like Pee Wee Herman saying his bodybuilding problems are primarily due to lack of muscle, not do to an inept body.
Turnovers are a reflection of ineptivity. Its a natural result of being a bad team.
The offensive line can't protect Ben. Hartings is old. Starks stinks. The receivers drop too many passes, and fumble the few passes they catch. SanTURDio Holmes makes too many mistakes. The team has no discipline, continually committing celebration and taunting fouls. The cornerbacks give too much cushion to the opposing wide receivers, yet still give away large passes as they lose every jump ball. Joey Porter is overrated. Ben has a confidence problem. Willie Parker gets -5 yards or 30+ yards, so the Steelers will have many more 3rd and longs then they did in prior years. Staley is the TJ Duckett of the Steelers. And I haven't mentioned how bad special teams stink.
Posted by: realistic Steelers fan | November 7, 2006 5:07 PM
All you guys seem like idoits to me, if you think the Steelers shouldn't be #31. I mean, the lost to the STINKIN RAIDERS! The Raiders have been shut out both of their MNF games. Rotheslberger Stinks! And its finally showing. The team is just not having the right Karma at the moment.
Anyway, Cheers to Maske for making the Redskins the BEAT 3-5 team in the league!! Did you know we are only one game out of the playoff race????
Posted by: 4th Floor | November 7, 2006 5:44 PM
Posted by: 4th | November 7, 2006 5:46 PM
I suspect the Steelers are better then a few of the teams in front of them and I know they will play us (Baltimore) tough. In fact they have played everybody reasonably well, they just haven't won and it is about winning.
Now having said that, the Ravens beat the Bolts convincingly. They have the same basic standings 6-2 and yet Maske's West Coast leanings have the Bolts at 3?? and Baltimore just bearly ahead of NO!
Posted by: D~ | November 7, 2006 5:48 PM
I gotta agree with The Soos, right now the Raiders, at least the offense, is the worst team in the league. They are pathetic. The Silver and Black turnstyle, LJ can't block, Walter is going to be buried soon. But above all their OC needs to go back to Idaho.
I guess maybe you get the Raiders ranked 28th because their O is about 12 steps below the bottom of the league and the D is about 14th.
Posted by: Raider51 | November 7, 2006 5:54 PM
"Now having said that, the Ravens beat the Bolts convincingly." What game were you watching?
Winning 16-13 on a TD with 34 seconds left IN BALTIMORE is not exactly a convincing win. They made ONE more play than SD, at home, where they SHOULD have dominated.
Your east coast bias is showing.
Posted by: Excuse me? | November 8, 2006 8:30 AM
The comments to this entry are closed.
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Book World Live
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Niall Ferguson , author of "The War of the World: Twentieth-Century Conflict and the Descent of the West, " was online to field questions and comments about his latest work, a history of American foreign policy.
A professor of history at Harvard University and senior research fellow at Oxford University, Niall Ferguson's columns on politics and economics appear weekly in the Los Angeles Times and the Sunday Telegraph.
Join Book World Live each Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET for a discussion based on a story or review in each Sunday's Book World section.
Niall Ferguson: It's a pleasure to be online and I hope I can answer some, if not all, of your questions. A word of warning. I am currently in England and supposed to be eating dinner with my wife and kids so my replies may not be as rapid as they would be if I were in the States in my office with a cup of coffee!
Mclean, Va.: To what extent does the decline of the West that you see simply equal the end of the great colonial empires?
Niall Ferguson: Yes, in large measure that is precisely what I mean. In War of the World, I go back to 1913, a time when the Western/European empires (including the United States) ruled huge tracts of the rest of the world. Their dominance began to wane with the Japanese victory of 1904 over Russia. But I used the term 'descent' rather than 'decline' deliberately. What also happened in the twentieth century was that the West's claims to moral superiority were discredited.
Tulsa, Okla.: Do you still believe that China's veto will preclude effective economic sanctions and successful use of international institutions to deter Iran? And, does the war in Lebanon strengthen or weaken your belief that Israel cannot help to deter Iran without Ariel Sharon?
Niall Ferguson: Right now I think it is Russia more than China that is the problem with respect to Iran, though the Chinese don't mind playing the part of Russia's sidekick on the Security Council. As to Sharon, his loss has proved to be an even bigger blow for Israel than I first thought - and that's saying something.
Bristol, U.K.: You famously argued that the world would have been better off had Britain let Germany defeat France in World War I. Is it not possible that the world would have been better off had the United States not armed Iraq to counteract Iranian power or had the United States not invaded Iraq?
Niall Ferguson: Well, it would have been quite dangerous if Iran had defeated Iraq outright in that war. The irony is that the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 handed Iran a belated victory. I think that - with the benefit of hindsight - the world almost certainly would be better off today if Saddam had not been deposed.
Maricopa, Arizona: Walter Russell Mead recently compared the domestic political realignment accompanying the War on Terror (party of elitist Northeasterners considered weak on national security, etc.) to that accompanying the War of 1812. Do you think this analogy has merit and any lessons may be learned from it?
Niall Ferguson: All these parallels with the early 1800s so beloved of Walter Russell Mead - and John Lewis Gaddis - strike me as absurd. The United States then was a peripheral factor in international relations. To understand its predicament today you need to compare it with Britain a century ago. Note also that terrorism of the sort we face today is more like that of c. 1900 than that of c. 1800.
Logan Circle, Washington, D.C.: Do you believe that the West must defeat, or at least contain, radical Islam to ensure a relatively peaceful 21st Century? Or can radical Islam be successfully and safely ignored?
Niall Ferguson: Radical Islam(ism) is a revolutionary ideology like extreme Marxism a century ago, but with the Koran rather than Das Kapital as its holy text. We can't underestimate it - and certainly not ignore it. They need to hate the West (and particularly the US and Israel) to maintain their fragile unity.
Berlin, Germany: Yale law professor Jack Balkin recently wrote on his blog: "One does wonder, of course, what sorts of deals are being made behind the scenes to keep China happy. Might this help to explain US reluctance to do anything really of substance in Darfur, a major source of oil for China?"
Could you comment on the role China plays in constraining American use of power?
Niall Ferguson: China is responsible for financing a large part of the US trade deficit. That gives it some leverage. How far that explains Darfur I don't know. American administrations have been ignoring genocide in Africa for a long time. Remember Rwanda?
Providence, R.I.: In your account of our most bloody century, what role do mass media and propaganda play in the build-up to war?
Niall Ferguson: Perhaps a smaller role than in some earlier accounts. I don't think, for example, that many Germans were eager for war in 1938 or in 1939. The Western democracies were even less keen. And this despite years of preparation by state-controlled media. Propaganda mattered more in keeping the war going, especially after things started to go wrong for the Axis powers.
Lincoln, Neb.: Does Iran, India, or China represent the greater strageic threat to the United States over the next 20 years? And why?
Niall Ferguson: Iran will give more trouble in the short run; China will displace American power in East Asia more gradually - and quite possibly without direct conflict. India will become increasingly an American ally, not a rival.
New York, N.Y.: After watching your interview on Charlie Rose and reading the Book World review, I am tempted to think you wrote a counterfactual history of 'the cruelest century' to serve as a timely metaphor for the present. That said, isn't it a flaw to fail to consider the role of non-state actors on international politics (e.g., the rise of multinationals), to fail to chart the decline of territorial conquest in favor of free trade as a means to acheive national ends, and isn't it wrong to posit international politics as cycles of empires rather than constant anarchy? I was under the impression that the last true empire was the Roman one!
washingtonpost.com: The Cruelest Century: "The War of the World" Review (Post, Book World, Nov. 5)
Niall Ferguson: All history is in some measure present-minded, however hard one tries to avoid it. I don't think I omit non-state actors, as you suggest. In the book, General Motors plays a more important role than Italy (for example). The bond market is as important as any navy. Free trade and empire weren't mutually exclusive (see the nineteenth century). As for the Romans, what did they ever do for us? Apart from roads. Apart from aqueducts ...
Rockville, Md.: Mr. Ferguson -- Although I have not yet read your book, I did read the Vanity Fair article, "Empire Falls," which I found interesting. However, I do disagree with your analogy of the U.S. to the Roman Empire. It seems to me, with the vast numbers of Muslim immigrants to Europe, who have overrun some parts of it, or so it would appear from news reports, that Europe would be more analogous to the old Roman Empire, which was overrun by barbarians. I think a more appropriate analogy for the U.S. would be the Byzantine Empire, which survived the western Roman Empire by about 1,000 years. Just as the U.S. has been the inheritor of Western European civilization, so the Byzantine rulers felt they were the inheritors of Roman civilization. Hey, if we end up building that wall along the border with Mexico, it would almost be our own version of the Theodosian Walls in Constantinople.
Niall Ferguson: I was trying to say in that article that Europe is in much worse shape than the U.S. - and in that sense Europe is clearly Rome to America's Byzantium, yes. Nor am I worried about Mexicans. These days, walls are only worth building as future tourist attractions.
If the American people chose to abandon our endeavor in Iraq, what effects do you think this will have on the future of the American Empire? Can we expect to be taken seriously as a superpower after our retreats in Vietnam, Lebanon, Somalia, and, possibly, Iraq?
Niall Ferguson: I think your question answers itself. The U.S. has a terrible record of abortive interventions and occupations, going back far earlier than Vietnam (see my earlier book, Colossus). And yet its credibility as a mlitary power is quite easy to re-establish. So no doubt there will be a retreat from Iraq and a terrible civil war there. But anyone who dares confront the U.S. in a conventional war will lose and lose badly. When it comes to destruction, the U.S. rules. Its reconstruction that's the problem.
Orlando, Fla.: Joseph Nye just wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post in which he praises the call for sanctions on Iran and calls for a boost in the budget of the IAEA and the establishment of a reservoir of enriched uranium that Iran may draw from in exchange for cancelling its nuclear program. In "War of the World," it appears you badmouth diplomatic process in favor of air bombing campaigns of Iranian nuclear sites. Hasn't the historical record -- for example, that of Germany post-World War I -- taught us that military power is not the only instrument important to international relations? If not, then why did George W. Bush fight so hard for debt-forgiveness for Iraq?
Niall Ferguson: I don't think my book 'badmouths diplomatic process in favor of air bombing campaigns of Iranian nuclear sites'. I do criticize appeasement of Germany in 1938, when military action would have yielded high returns. But the situation today is not the same, and we should be wary of facile parallels with the 1930s. 2006 isn't 1938 and Ahmadinejad isn't Hitler.
Tampa, Fla.: In his new book, "The War for Civilization," Robert Fisk views the conflicts in the Middle East as the residue of the colonialism practiced by the old European powers who started the War of the World, and the U.S. Any thoughts on this and Fisk's book?
Niall Ferguson: I haven't read Robert Fisk's book. It's a bit of a tired cliche that all the world's problems are legacies of wicked Western imperialism. That certainly doesn't explain sectarian conflict between Sunnis and Shias, does it?
Anacostia, Md.: In a piece in the Guardian concerning War of the World, you wrote: "Race mattered, and, alas, may still matter, not because there are biologically distinct races but because people believe in their existence. That belief has repeatedly served to justify acts of organised repression, ranging from discrimination to attempted annihilation. It is therefore of considerable importance to understand why racism persists as a belief system."
From the perspective of this quote, it would appear that Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq was racist, as it elevated Sunni ethnic pride and targeted Kurds and Shiites despite years of prior intermarriage and coexistence between all three. It would seem that Senator Biden's plan to partition Iraq into three semi-autonomous states would be a bad idea -- not only because partitioning spawned ethnic divisions during the colonization of Africa -- but also because it would reinforce and legitimize the racist legacy of Saddam's regime. In light of the foregoing, do you think that we should abandon the attempt to unify Iraqi's identity, because sexual selection may prevent Kurds, Shiites, and Sunnis from respecting each other?
Niall Ferguson: I agree with everything up until your question. The reality of Iraq under Saddam was not that of a segregated society, though Sunnis were politically dominant. The danger is that talk of partition encourages the ethnic cleansing that is already underway in Baghdad and other central areas. When you see how mixed the populations are there, you appreciate how reckless this kind of talk is. I see little evidence from polls of Iraqis that people want partition, incidentally.
Mclean, Va.: How would the present look if Wilhelm had advised the Austrians to not overreact to Sarajevo?
Niall Ferguson: Very different, though the Kaiser's real problem was that his entire military establishment were bent on war with Russia before 1916. They would have found another pretext.
Mclean, Va.: Would the U.S. go to war with China over Taiwan and how would that affect the image of the U.S. and the balance of power?
Niall Ferguson: I once asked that question of some influential types in Washington and was assured that yes, the U.S. would react if China attacked Taiwan. I still find it hard to believe. The right strategy for the U.S. is to appease China, particularly on this dangerous issue. We don't want Taiwan to be what Belgium became in 1914.
Bethlehem, Pa.: To what degree do you think your thesis in the book overlaps with Paul Kennedy's declinist school of thought? What differs?
Niall Ferguson: There are some fairly major differences, I think, though I am a great fan of Paul Kennedy's work. I don't think power was entirely a matter of industrial capability. Financial institutions mattered too. And a lot could be done by sheer military effectiveness to compensate for lack of iron and steel. In the final analysis, it's true, the Allied victory in the Second World War was an inevitable product of U.S. economic capability. The interesting thing, however, is that the U.S. has deindustrialized dramatically since the 1970s - yet its military power has grown. Not what PK predicted back in 1987.
Lyme, Conn.: What are your thoughts on China and its deliberations between enlarging its international trade and contact with the outside world and its desire to keep somewhat insular from influences from the outside world? Also, how would you evaluate China's relations with North Korea?
Niall Ferguson: China right now is very cleverly having globalization on its own terms (see its use of capital controls). North Korea is more useful to China as a diplomatic pawn than dead.
Toronto, Canada: Like yourself, many who supported the 2003 invasion of Iraq hoped that a democracy in Iraq would serve as a wellspring for reform and modernity in the region, perhaps causing a "domino effect" of democracy. But Joseph Nye, amongst other foreign policy theorists, has noted that a state will usually not ally with its neighbor; it will fear its neighbor and ally with its neighbor's neighbor instead. Wasn't it reasonably foreseeable in 2003, then, that democratizing Iraq would simply lead to increased militarization and radicalization in some of the following countries that border Iraq: Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran? If so, wasn't the imperial solution you advocated for the wrong one based on what we knew in 2003?
Niall Ferguson: I never bought the neo-cons' idea of democratic domino effect - you can check my published writing. I argued that the U.S. could seize the moment to act imperially in the Middle East, but only if it was prepared to invest manpower, money and time. It wasn't. The rest we all know.
Lexington, Ky.: In commenting on your "War of the World," Cambridge historian Priyamvada Gopal wrote: "[t]o make sense of a shared present and look towards a more humane future, we need to start with a little informed honesty about the past."
What do you say to the charge that you are revising imperial history by downplaying its carnage, exaggerating its meager benefits, and promoting xenophobia in the process? And is your project in writing books like "War of the World" to contribute to history (and thus a shared future) or generate controversy (and thus book sales) in the present?
Niall Ferguson: I suggest you read my reply to her defamatory and mendacious rant in the Guardian. Then read the book. The War of the World is about avoiding a repeat of C20th horrors by learning the lessons of history. A more humane future is precisely what it looks towards.
Brooklyn, N.Y.: What is your opinion on Samuel Huntington's divisive essay "The Clash of Civilizations" in which he claims that future conflict will based on cultural/religious issues rather than political issues?
Niall Ferguson: That the biggest clashes in our time will be within his Civilizations not between them.
Mclean, Va.: How would bombing raids against Iraqi nuclear research facilities affect the current European alienation from the United States? Is U.S. leadership, if it still exists, threatened?
Niall Ferguson: It would the end for Atlanticism, I think.
Reston, Va.: Could you explain the cruel century in terms of man's diminished view of his fellow man? In particular, 20th century thinkers have increasingly discarded the 19th century liberal view that appeals to argument and fact motivate human behavior. In its place, we increasingly see him as "irrational," and therefore we much more willingly resort to force to change his behavior. We seem to have had our biggest problems with nations where the 19th century liberal view was weakest (Germany, Eastern Europe) or never caught on at all (Asia, Africa, Middle East).
Niall Ferguson: Unfortunately, liberal conceptions of the individual gained currency roughly at the same time as very illiberal conceptions of racial difference.
Alexandria, Va.: I feel like I'm living in 1906 with terrorists replacing anarchists as our bugaboo (Where's Teddy Roosevelt when you need him?). What horrors does this century hold?
Niall Ferguson: Yes, that's absolutely the point. We have been here before, in many ways. That's why The War of the World starts in 9/11/1901.
Beware the Ides of March, Niall!: What did the Romans ever do for us? What about their conception of a republican state and their written constitution?
Niall Ferguson: I was alluding to the famous scene in Monty Python's Life of Brian. The Romans of course did a very great deal for us. That's why not all empires can be said to be all bad.
Fairfax, Va.: What "surprises" in the course of international events do you see happening in the next 50 years?
Niall Ferguson: Hang on, that's prophecy not history. And if I knew the surprises, they wouldn't be surprises.
Mclean, Va.: Is there a danger of a nativist backlash in Europe to Muslim immigration, driven by demographic anxiety or fear of terrorism? Could restrictive legislation be passed there? As in the U.S., in the 20's, and what would the effct be in the Muslim world?
Niall Ferguson: Yes, very definitely. Just look at the polls. I did a piece for the New Republic about this earlier this year.
Baltimore, Md.: Sorry, I haven't read your book, but will we be seeing any grand, European/colonial power-style conflicts and wars in the next hundred years, where great big national interests compete and collide? I'm thinking monetary interests, but I suppose we're in the midst of of a cultural and religious clash right now. Thanks very much. Looking forward to reading the book. The short intro. to this chat (in italics) piqued my interest, by the way.
Niall Ferguson: Yes, I do believe the War of the World could replay itself. That was the sobering conclusion I came to as I finished the book.
Niall Ferguson: Thanks, one and all, for a stimulating conversation. My fingers hurt and I ate my dinner too fast. But I enjoyed it.
Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.
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The Secret of Being Funny
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You weren't looking hard enough. "Rhetorical strategies" are important tools of famous, respected literary humorists such as myself and Mark Twain, although neither of us had ever heard of the term before looking it up on Google. It turns out we use them all the time! Here are some of our favorites.
1. Sarcasm. This strategy is particularly valuable because you can insult stupid people, and they won't know they are being insulted. You must make sure never to use sarcasm on a smart person like George W. Bush, however, because, given the awesome magnitude of his smartitudinousness, he would figure out what you are doing and get the CIA to pour water up your nose.
2. See what I did there, at the end? That is satire, another rhetorical strategy. Satire happens when you take a true fact (George W. Bush is in favor of torture) and make fun of it through exaggeration. (He would never actually torture you.) (You are just a high school kid.) (With a suspiciously communist last name.) (But you have nothing to worry about.) (Probably.)
3. As a rhetorical device, poop is funny -- always, in any context, using any terminology. Ask yourself this question: Which is funnier, "fetal distress" or "fecal distress"?
4. The previous sentence uses the most classic rhetorical strategy, namely, the rhetorical question. A rhetorical question is a question that isn't really a question. Here is another example: "May I assume you are familiar with the earlier works of Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux, the lamentably unappreciated 19th-century minor French poet and critic known for his beguiling wit?" This is not actually a question. It is a statement, namely, "I am a snot, and, as such, it is permissible for you to cram my head in the toilet and flush."
I repeat, poop is always funny.
5. Anything Jewish-sounding is funny. We Jews are famously funny people, so absolutely anything can be made funnier if you throw in some Jew stuff.
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Dear Mr. Weingarten: I am a student at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring. You are funny. What is your secret? I have analyzed some of your columns for my English class, looking for what we call "rhetorical strategies," but haven't found any.
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Royal Ahold to Sell U.S. Foodservice Unit
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Dutch conglomerate Royal Ahold NV said yesterday that it will shed its Columbia-based U.S. Foodservice division but attempt to reinvigorate local supermarket chain Giant Food.
Ahold chief executive Anders Moberg said the sale of the food distribution division that was embroiled in financial scandal three years ago will allow the company to focus on strengthening its core retail business. He would not give a timeline for the sale but indicated there was significant interest in the operation, which delivers food to hotels and cafeterias. Industry analysts have estimated it could be worth $5.1 billion to $5.7 billion.
For Giant, the announcement was a reprieve of sorts. Ahold has been under pressure from impatient investors to dump all of its American operations, which have been beset by weak sales and increasingly intense competition. Analysts have long speculated that the company eventually would be taken over or broken up if it could not turn itself around. But after a months-long internal review of the company's portfolio, Ahold executives indicated yesterday that they would dig in their heels -- at least for now -- and focus on cutting costs and lowering prices at Giant stores.
"We have come a long way," Moberg said in a news conference at Ahold headquarters in Amsterdam. "The company is moving in the right direction. [Retail] is where we will continue our growth in the future."
Ahold also said it will sell its Tops grocery stores, which operate in the Northeast as part of the Pennsylvania-based Giant-Carlisle division, as well as chains in Poland and Slovakia. It hopes to reduce operating costs by $636 million by 2009 and reaffirmed its target of 5 percent growth in total sales and operating margins. After the sale, it plans to reduce debt and return $2.5 billion to shareholders, but it did not specify in what form.
Ahold's American operations account for nearly three-fourths of the company's total sales. U.S. Foodservice, its largest division, accounts for 47 percent, employing about 200 people at its headquarters in Columbia and more than 28,000 people at 113 locations across the country. The accounting scandal in 2003 forced Ahold to restate income of more than $800 million after it was revealed that executives had systematically inflated promotional allowances to meet earnings targets.
The legal fallout is only now coming to an end. Ahold settled Securities and Exchange Commission charges without paying a fine two years ago and later agreed to pay $1.1 billion to settle shareholder lawsuits. In September, it entered into a non-prosecution agreement with the U.S. Attorney's office in the Southern District of New York.
Former U.S. Foodservice finance chief Michael J. Resnick pleaded guilty in September to taking part in a conspiracy to inflate earnings and reduce costs using bogus rebate payments. Closing arguments were heard yesterday in the Manhattan criminal trial of the company's onetime marketing guru, Mark P. Kaiser.
At the U.S. Foodservice headquarters, many workers did not have details of the impending sale yesterday morning but expected a meeting with management.
Deirdre Dobbins, 38, who lives in Baltimore and works in the legal department at U.S. Foodservice, said employees had been expecting a drastic change for months.
"We all knew it was coming," she said, "we just didn't know when it was coming."
Lawrence S. Benjamin, who was brought in as chief executive to rebuild the company after the accounting scandal, was named yesterday as head of Ahold's American operations. He said the decision to sell was not related to financial performance but rather Ahold's need to focus on its retail chains.
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Washington,DC,Virginia,Maryland business headlines,stock portfolio,markets,economy,mutual funds,personal finance,Dow Jones,S&P 500,NASDAQ quotes,company research tools. Federal Reserve,Bernanke,Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Tired of Waiting on States, Counties Fund Roads on Their Own
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Local governments in the Washington region have given up on getting additional state money for major transportation projects and are instead going into debt to embark on an unprecedented half-billion-dollar road-building boom to try to ease some of the area's worst jams.
In most cases, the money will go to build or expand roads that are the responsibility of the state governments in Richmond and Annapolis, which have failed to fund projects promised for years.
"We're tired of waiting around," said Steven A. Silverman (D-At Large), a member of the Montgomery County Council. "Our people are crying for relief, and we want to provide it."
Montgomery officials agreed in April to put up $160 million to accelerate state road projects. Prince William County is placing a $300 million bond before voters today that would improve Route 1, Route 28 and several other roads. Loudoun County has $51 million on the ballot -- the county's first transportation bond -- that would expand such roads as Routes 7 and 50.
Fairfax County is in the middle of a $160 million construction plan that voters approved two years ago.
"This is the great state shift -- or the great state shaft," said Gerald E. Connolly (D), chairman of the Fairfax Board of Supervisors. "You are seeing that in Loudoun, Prince William and Fairfax -- all of us are taking on more debt because of the state's failure to invest in any fashion."
Funding and building roads locally have advantages. County governments can be quicker, less bureaucratic and more responsive to changing needs. Local funding also ensures that tax money will be spent where it originates rather than being spread across a state.
But local construction plans are isolated and work against a growing regional desire to coordinate development. The results might be new highways and wider roads but even worse bottlenecks.
Virginia Transportation Secretary Pierce R. Homer said the growing role of local governments in road-building makes it more difficult for state officials to keep an eye on the big picture. "The state has a responsibility to ensure that major transportation corridors are developed in a coordinated fashion," he said. "Without adequate state resources, that state role is diminished or in some cases nonexistent."
Prince William, for instance, is spending $42 million to widen Linton Hall Road, the main connector between several new housing developments, such as Sudley Manor, and major commuter routes. On Friday, workers graded part of the road as construction trucks rumbled in and out of the new housing sites.
But no matter how many lanes the county adds, Linton Hall commuters will still run into one of the biggest bottlenecks in the region, at Route 29 and Interstate 66. A state project to redo the interchange has been a top Northern Virginia priority, but a lack of funding has delayed it for years. The state now has the $182 million interchange penciled in for construction -- beginning in 2013.
"They're just moving the traffic from one place to another. You still can't get on 29," said Jim Lemmon, 44, of Prince William, buying coffee Friday morning at a Wi-Not Stop on Linton Hall Road. "The state's not going to do anything about it. They make promises they can't keep, and we're the ones who have to live with it."
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Local governments in the Washington region have given up on getting additional state money for major transportation projects and are instead going into debt to embark on an unprecedented half-billion-dollar road-building boom to try to ease some of the area's worst jams.
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InPhonic Settles Lawsuit Over Rebates
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The District sued the company in June, saying InPhonic made it "difficult or impossible" for consumers to obtain promised rebates on cellphones. InPhonic accumulated more than 2,000 consumer complaints over the past three years.
The terms of the settlement include changes to the company's online advertisements and payment to certain consumers for rebates that had been rejected, company spokesman Tripp Donnelly said.
"We have had a very good working dialogue with the office of the attorney general, and we believe final settlement should be reached shortly," Donnelly said.
The company said its financial results for the third quarter include $3.8 million to cover the cost of the settlement "and related expenses."
InPhonic sells cellphones made by Motorola Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. and other major brands, as well as wireless plans from carriers such as Verizon Wireless Inc., Cingular Wireless LLC and T-Mobile USA Inc., through several Web sites.
The company has been reducing its reliance on consumer mail-in rebates in recent months. During the third quarter, the company used them with 25 percent of wireless phone shipments, a decline of about 60 percent from the third quarter of 2005, Donnelly said.
Bennett Rushkoff, chief for the consumer and trade protection section of the D.C. attorney general's office, declined to comment on the negotiations.
InPhonic yesterday reported a loss of $4.8 million (13 cents a share) for the third quarter, compared with a loss of $5 million (14 cents) a year earlier. Revenue increased 11 percent, to $102.2 million.
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On Strip Measure, the Sides Are Four Feet Apart
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SEATTLE -- Voters here Tuesday have an opportunity rare in a democratic society:
To decide in a referendum whether lonely guys can continue to stuff $20 bills in the G-strings of hot young women.
One such woman, whose nom de lap dance is Asia, performs six nights a week at Déjà Vu, a downtown club across the street from the city's famous Pike Place Market, where during daylight hours burly men in rubber pants toss around salmon to entertain tourists.
Asia comes to work after the salmon have been packed away and entertains without benefit of pants. She is 22 years old, with eight-inch stiletto heels, sparkly false eyelashes and a tanning-parlor tan (it being cold, dark and wet this time of year in Seattle).
She makes about $48,000 a year, performing 20 or so lap dances a night for software writers, college kids and the occasional fisherman. It is a good living, she says, for a single mom with a 4-year-old daughter.
Like many of her fellow dancers, though, Asia is planning to leave town, if voters endorse a city ordinance that would bleach much of the lust and most of the lucre out of lap dancing.
· The four-foot rule. A performer and her patron must stay at least four feet apart.
· The library rule. Lights must be turned up to the brightness of a typical office.
· The cash-in-a-cup rule. A patron cannot give money directly to a dancer or wiggle it into her underwear.
These rules, if approved by voters, come on top of a daunting matrix of strip-club regulations. Among other things, they forbid the drinking of alcohol and the smoking of tobacco and allow strippers to be nude only when they are on a stage that is six feet away from patrons and 18 inches high.
"We already have enough rules," said Asia, her sparkly eyelashes flaring in the club's black light. "The four-foot rule will mean I can't make a living. Who is going to pay $20 to stand four feet away and watch me dance? No one."
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Female Leader Would Be First for Navajos
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WINDOW ROCK, Ariz., Nov. 6 -- One candidate in Tuesday's Navajo Nation presidential election promises accountability and staunch protection of tribal land. The other vows to build on the reservation's economic progress in the past four years.
But in the race between incumbent Joe Shirley Jr. and challenger Lynda Lovejoy, the overriding issue is sex.
A win would make Lovejoy the first female leader on the largest Indian reservation in the United States, which extends into New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.
"She is a woman, and that is going to be an issue no matter what her stance on policy," said Dale Mason, an associate professor of political science at the University of New Mexico at Gallup. "She represents something entirely new."
Lovejoy, a former New Mexico state lawmaker and current member of the Public Regulation Commission, hopes to unseat Shirley, 58, a former tribal council delegate who has been leading the tribe for four years.
"I can't control people making their decision to vote for me because I'm a woman," she said. "I certainly appreciate and welcome that. Any vote is important to winning this ticket on November 7."
Shirley, who has focused on economic development in his campaign for reelection, acknowledges some people will vote based on sex, but he says he is hopeful that most won't.
Some traditional Navajos believe that women and men have distinct roles in society -- women as caretakers of the home and of children, and men as providers and leaders, said Tommy Begay, a Navajo and University of Arizona doctoral student who is studying the evolution of cultures.
Although Navajo is a matriarchal society, traditional Navajos will probably stick to the belief that only men should serve as president, Begay said.
"When you live your life in a very traditional way, the beliefs really dictate your action," Begay said. "They become sort of the boundaries of existence."
Less traditional Navajos either have not been taught those beliefs, dismiss them, or have a hard time maintaining them because of the dominant society's influence, Begay said.
Lovejoy has based her campaign on ensuring an open and accountable government, creating jobs, protecting land and natural resources, and cutting unnecessary spending.
Shirley often participates in sweat lodges, where he says he learns songs about the tribe's religion and culture and also draws inspiration from the elders as they talk about how to regain the tribe's economic independence.
Many Navajos are poor, and unemployment hovers around 50 percent.
Shirley has been pushing projects that include the coal-fired Desert Rock Power Plant and the construction of six casinos. The first could be built next year, he said.
The president said those projects would bring in thousands of jobs and provide tribal members with basic necessities -- a home, transportation and income.
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WINDOW ROCK, Ariz., Nov. 6 -- One candidate in Tuesday's Navajo Nation presidential election promises accountability and staunch protection of tribal land. The other vows to build on the reservation's economic progress in the past four years.
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Mud Stops USS Intrepid Move From N.Y. Pier
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NEW YORK, Nov. 6 -- The legendary World War II aircraft carrier USS Intrepid got stuck in deep Hudson River mud Monday as powerful tugboats fought to pull the floating museum from its Manhattan berth and tow it downriver for a $60 million overhaul.
The mission was scrubbed at around 10:30 a.m. as the tide went down, said Dan Bender, a Coast Guard spokesman.
Officials were not sure Monday when they would try to move the Intrepid again or whether they might try to leave it in place and refurbish it in its berth, Intrepid President Bill White said at a news conference.
The next unusually high tide is Dec. 6, but that will be about a foot lower than Monday's tide, which officials had thought would help float the carrier free of the sticky mud, he said.
After 24 years at the same pier on Manhattan's West Side, the warship that survived five kamikaze attacks began inching backward out of its berth, but the tugs moved it only about 15 feet before its giant propellers jammed in the thick mud. The decommissioned warship no longer has engines of its own.
"We knew it was not going to come out like a cruise ship," said Matt Woods, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum's vice president for facilities.
Six tugboats had strained to move the giant ship.
"We were able to move her 15 feet, and then she came to a halt. We tried to add more power with another tugboat, but we couldn't wiggle her free," said Jeffrey McAllister, the chief pilot of the tugboat operation.
"We were missing our open window. We had to give up because the tides were going down," he added. "She was moving, we were hopeful, she started to creep along, but then she stopped."
Monday's departure was timed to take advantage of the yearly high tide so the tugs could pull the 27,000-ton ship out of the slip where it has rested in up to 17 feet of mud. Removal of 600 tons of water from the Intrepid's ballast tanks gave the ship added buoyancy, and dredges removed 15,000 cubic yards of mud to create a channel from dockside to deeper water.
The planned refurbishment, which is expected to take up to 2 years, will include opening up more interior spaces to the public, upgrading its exhibits and painting the ship from bow to stern. The pier also is to be rebuilt. The city is contributing $17 million, the state $5 million, and the federal government $36 million. Also, $2 million in private funds will be spent.
Elected officials, veterans who served on the Intrepid and others had waited on the flight deck for the beginning of the journey five miles down the river to a dry dock in Bayonne, N.J. Helicopters flew overhead; New York City Police Department blue-and-white powerboats, city fire department boats and a Coast Guard cutter were on hand to accompany the aircraft carrier.
The final mooring lines were cast off at the order of 80-year-old retired Rear Adm. J. Lloyd "Doc" Abbot Jr., who served as Intrepid's skipper from 1960 to '62 and was named honorary commander for the day.
"It was the best job I ever had," Abbot said, standing once again on the ship's deck. "Intrepid had a soul of her own. 'How can a hunk of iron have a soul?' you may ask. But I loved her. She kept me safe and at times I kept her safe."
The Intrepid serves as a living memorial to the armed services, a tourist attraction that draws hundreds of thousands people a year. And if the need arose, it would become an emergency operations center for city and federal authorities. The FBI used it as an operations center after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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Give In, but Not Completely
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From the late-afternoon urge for a chocolate bar to the hankering for a plate of barbecued ribs while cheering on your favorite team, food cravings can fuel a lot of overeating.
Popular wisdom -- okay, maybe it's rationalization -- suggests that these cravings may represent some physiological need. So should you indulge your food urges or work hard to resist them?
That appears to depend on what you crave, according to a new study that finds overly restricting some foods, especially carbohydrates such as bread, pasta and cookies, can backfire and fuel cravings.
Rather than "eating in moderation all along, you end up rebounding" and consuming more calories, notes Jennifer S. Coelho, lead author of the University of Toronto study, published in this month's edition of the journal Appetite. "It's better to try to find a balance."
Food cravings have long intrigued scientists. But the obesity epidemic has added a new urgency to understanding why hot fudge sundaes, chocolate chip cookies, french fries, chocolate eclairs, fried chicken, pizza and porterhouse steak are nutritional sirens for so many people.
Rare, indeed, is the person who craves broccoli. Some scientists, including Adam Drewnowski, director of the nutritional sciences program at the University of Washington in Seattle, define food cravings as the desire for high-calorie or energy-dense foods that are full of fat or sugar or both. "If people say, 'I crave radishes,' " Drewnowski says, "I would say, 'No, you don't.' They're not energy-dense, nor sweet or filled with fat. But potato chips, yes."
Nor do people crave foods that they have not already tasted. "Think of food cravings as a sensory memory," says psychologist Marcia Pelchat of the Monell Chemical Senses Center, a research organization in Philadelphia. "You remember how good it felt the last time you had that food. You have to have experienced eating it before."
Whether it's possible to learn to crave healthful, lower-calorie foods is not known. "In theory, you ought to be able to learn to crave carrot sticks," Pelchat says. "But 95 to 97 percent of the foods that people report craving are energy-dense."
In the brain, food cravings activate the same areas that are affected by cocaine, alcohol, cigarettes and even the pleasure that some people get from buying lots of shoes, says Pelchat, who in 2004 published the first brain images associated with food cravings.
Both men and women experience food cravings, but studies suggest that these urges are more common in women, who report experiencing them most often premenstrually and during pregnancy. Women are more likely to crave sweets, with chocolate topping the list. Men are more likely to hear the call of savory foods such as pepperoni pizza, barbecued ribs, meatloaf and nachos.
A new study suggests that men may be more susceptible to the appetite-enhancing effects of food advertising. When study participants viewed photos of tantalizing food and were asked to rate their appeal, men were more likely than women to assign high scores, regardless of whether they had just eaten or had fasted for at least 12 hours.
"We think that this reflects that women are more sensitive to their internal signals, while men seem to be more prone to ignore them," says James E. Cox, a professor of psychology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a co-author of study.
That's what Drewnowski has found, too. In studies, "if women tell you they are not hungry, they eat less at lunch," he says. "If men tell you they are not hungry, it doesn't mean anything. They still eat."
Body weight may also affect food cravings. Studies show that the higher a person's body mass index, the greater the likelihood for food cravings. What comes first -- the added pounds or the food cravings -- isn't yet known.
But with two-thirds of U.S. adults overweight or obese, experts say that's one more reason to start reducing the many environmental cues to eat, whether it's putting away the dish of candy at the office or keeping certain foods hidden in cupboards at home. "They really trigger and reinforce cravings," says Pelchat, who adds that she sometimes turns off the Food Network in an effort to avoid high-calorie temptations.
What else helps thwart food cravings? Variety. One study found that when participants consumed only a sweet, vanilla-flavored beverage that met all their nutritional needs, they had three to four times as many cravings for salty and other non-sweet food.
The good news: Food cravings appear to decline with age. The older people get, Pelchat says, the more likely they are to report they can soothe a food craving with a substitute, preferably a healthier choice. ·
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From the late-afternoon urge for a chocolate bar to the hankering for a plate of barbecued ribs while cheering on your favorite team, food cravings can fuel a lot of overeating.
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Candidates Hit the Pews In Maryland Homestretch
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Democratic Senate candidate Benjamin L. Cardin thanked the "Lord for waking me up," for his wife of 41 years and for the pastor of the Church of the Living God allowing him to worship with his congregation.
Then, when he mentioned his party affiliation, an ovation interrupted his sentence. A couple in the crowd sprang to their feet, and Cardin nearly fell off his. A smile swept across his face.
"I like this place, pastor," Cardin said, turning to the minister.
With black voter turnout crucial in Maryland's U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races, visits to churches in Prince George's County and Baltimore over the past several weeks have become essential in courting African American voters.
"You can't win Prince George's County without the faith-based folks," said the Rev. Paul A. Wells, pastor of New Revival Kingdom Church in Capitol Heights.
But the churches, typically a stronghold for Democratic candidates, are welcoming Republicans, as well.
GOP Senate candidate Michael S. Steele raced to services yesterday at three black churches in Prince George's and one in Silver Spring. "We have a saying in the community: 'Give it to the Lord,' " Steele said, standing outside Hillcrest Baptist Church in Temple Hills.
Inside, he was greeted with warm applause and praise from the Rev. Eric Redmond, who mentioned Steele's support for charter schools and opposition to capital punishment. "I can only imagine the things he could do in a national office," Redmond said.
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) stopped by Ark of Safety Christian Church in Upper Marlboro yesterday, where Bishop C. Anthony Muse called him his friend and welcomed him to the pulpit to say a few words. Muse won the Democratic primary for a state Senate seat in District 26.
"People often get into this 'Who is Republican or Democrat?' " Muse told the congregation. "When you are in the house of the Lord, there is no Democrat or Republican, no black or white."
Pastors exhorted their congregations to cast ballots tomorrow but were careful not to declare support for individual candidates, lest they run afoul of rules for nonprofit organizations.
"I think I'd get in major trouble if I made an endorsement," Bishop Adam J. Richardson Jr. told the several hundred worshipers at Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington yesterday. "But I think I can say, 'I wish you well.' "
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Democratic Senate candidate Benjamin L. Cardin thanked the "Lord for waking me up," for his wife of 41 years and for the pastor of the Church of the Living God allowing him to worship with his congregation.
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Post Politics Hour
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Don't want to miss out on the latest in politics? Start each day with The Post Politics Hour. Join in each weekday morning at 11 a.m. as a member of The Washington Post's team of White House and Congressional reporters answers questions about the latest in buzz in Washington and The Post's coverage of political news.
Washington Post chief political reporter Dan Balz was online Monday, Nov. 6, at 11 a.m. ET .
Political analysis from Post reporters and interviews with top newsmakers. Listen live on Washington Post Radio or subscribe to a podcast of the show.
Dan Balz: Good morning to everyone. Nervous people all around the country today: Republicans nervous that they may lose the House and possibly the Senate. Nervous Democrats who see national polls tightening. Many Senate races still too close to call. Lots of House races the same. We've got a lot of questions already in the basket and more coming as we start. Thanks for participating.
Albany, N.Y.: Several serious political gurus are reporting a sharp shift towards the Republicans in recent polling, particularly in the Senate races in Maryland, Montana and Tennessee. Any idea what's happening? Is this mostly a local thing or is it broader? What's driving it--surely not Senator Kerry's case of foot-in-mouth disease?
Dan Balz: There are three polls out in the last two days that show some movement toward the Republicans. This is based on the so-called generic House question, which asks people how they plan to vote -- Republican or Democratic -- in House races, but does not name specific candidates. The Post-ABC poll among likely voters showed Democrats with a 6-point advantage, down from 13 points two weeks ago. USA Today/Gallup had it at 7 points, also about half of what it was, and Pew had Democrats with a 4-point advantage, another big drop from a few weeks ago.
What does this mean? Two things seem consistent in the three polls. Independents are not quite as strongly Democratic as they were earlier in their House voting intentions and Republicans are more enthusiastic about participating than they were.
This suggests that the Democratic gains will be smaller than it looked a few weeks ago, but beyond that it's very difficult to quantify. The national generic translates somewhat unevenly to individual House races. But these polls are the reason there is nervousness among the Democrats.
Pasadena, Calif.: I'm not seeing any news coverage of Republican robocalling schemes. In New Hampshire there may actually be state laws being violated. Why aren't these tactics getting fuller coverage?
Dan Balz: There are a number of complaints from Democrats about this and we're looking into it. That said, robo calls are very common -- one reason is they're extremely inexpensive -- and often are as negative as they are positive.
Claverack, N.Y.: Good morning Dan. Intense days for poli-junkies, no?
Kind of bewildered by all the buzz out of Rhode Island over a single poll showing Chafee with a miniscule and statistically insignificant lead. Every other recent poll I'm aware of shows Whitehouse well ahead and Chafee floundering between 40 and 42.
Is it possible reporters are simply over-excited about a potential comeback story, or are you hearing from the campaigns there's real movement going on?
Dan Balz: The Republicans were saying last week that the Rhode Island Senate race was one to watch. For a month or so, that was one of four that experts on both sides thought was heading for a Democratic pickup but it has tightened. One reason is that Sen. Chafee has started to attack Sheldon Whitehouse. Chafee is no friend of the administration, but the president's approval rating is the lowest or among the lowest in the nation in Rhode Island.
Rochester, Minn.: Good Day and thanks for these fun and informative chats.
What, if anything, do the Democrats have planned for those of us who have have been voting Dem, but really are more "ex-Republicans" than "true Democrats"? In other words, I have been voting Dem because I have been repulsed by what the Republicans have become, not due to any idea or ideology the Dems have presented?
Dan Balz: House Democratic leaders have an agenda of items they say they will make their first priorities, among them an increase in the minimum wage, allowing the federal government to negotiate with the drug companies over prices for Medicare recipients, implementation of the 9/11 commission recommendations, etc. If they retake the House tomorrow, that's where they'll start.
Washington, D.C.: Dan, I'm a Democrat who's worried about the recent "comeback" that Rs are undergoing. Is this mainly solidifying the base or do you see evidence, as George Stephanopoulos does, that some independents are being swayed too? Besides Tennessee, which Senate race would be most affected by a Republican comeback in the polls? Is there anything to look for as evidence of this between now and tomorrow?
Dan Balz: George Stephanopoulos and we at the Post were looking at the same numbers, since the two organizations poll together. The Post-ABC poll showed a drop in independent support for the Democrats, although they still tilt heavily toward the Democrats.
All the close Senate races are likely to be affected by late shifts in voter sentiment: Tennessee, Virginia, Missouri, Montana, Rhode Island. Some say Maryland as well.
New Orleans, La.: Speaking of polls, during the same time period as the Gallup, Washington Post/ABC and Pew polls, the CNN and Newsweek polls show a spread in favor Dems of +20 and +16 respectively. How accurate have any of these polls been in the past few elections? How about a poll report card, with an A for those that have been extremely accurate and a F for those that have failed to reflect true voter sentiment?
Dan Balz: That's a good idea. The generic House question is not a perfect indicator of how many seats a party will win or lose. I can't explain the CNN and Newsweek polls, which continue to show it that large. That's a huge margin and would suggest a very big Democratic gain in the House. Based on an analysis of close races, we said on Sunday Democrats can count on a minimum of about 10 seats and there were another 30 that we rated as tossups.
Arlington, Va.: Could it be that the generic polling is starting to "synch up" with the specific races as election gets closer. These generic polls didn't really mean much anyway as the Republicans always said.
Dan Balz: Well, the problem is, it may be syncing up or may not be, depending on which national poll you choose to look at. Certainly it's correct that the generic number has received a huge amount of attention this year but that the individual district polls are more telling. However, some of those district polls are done by reliable polling organizations, but not all. Not all polls are created equal.
Bethesda, Md.: Bill Clinton is everywhere in these last few days: Virginia, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Michigan, Upstate New York, Arizona, Nevada etc. (Meanwhile Republican candidates make up excuses not to be seen with George W. Bush). Can you recall an ex-president who has been such an active campaigner? After all, ex-presidents are usually old men (Ike, Reagan, G.H.W. Bush) or unpopular figures (Carter, Nixon). Clinton is neither.
Dan Balz: Clinton is everywhere, you're right. In a lot of states, Democrats are calling on him to generate more turnout among African Americans, but he's campaigning across the country. But some other Democrats are very active as well, among them Sen. Barack Obama. On the Republican side, Sen. John McCain, Rudy Giuliani and Laura Bush seem to be the most active -- and welcomed in places the president is not.
Chicago, Ill.: With the apparent late firming of undecideds in favor of the Republican ticket, shown by polls released today, isn't it fair to wonder if many of those undecideds weren't really Republican leaning voters from the outset? Wouldn't it be useful if the pollsters asked such undecided voters which party they voted for in the last election? Such information might be useful in predicting which way the voter is likely to fall when he/she finally makes a decision on the candidates.
Dan Balz: Asking people how they voted in the last election produces bad numbers. If you ask people how they voted in the last presidential election, usually you find more people saying they voted for the winner than the winner's percentage actually was.
Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.: Over the past week or so, a number of polls have given Corker a double digit lead over Ford, in Tennessee, yet the Fix's graphic still shows none of the competitive Senate races leaning Republican. What gives? Wishful thinking?
Dan Balz: The Mason-Dixon poll had Corker's lead at 12 points but the USA Today/Gallup showed it at about 3. It may have moved toward Corker and we'll take another look for final ratings on the Countdown Tuesday morning.
Michigan: Maybe I'm just paranoid but I fear that these new polls showing Dems with a smaller lead are just being publicized as a ploy by the GOP to make it seems like things are favourable for them and thus increase the Republican vote as some voters tend to vote who think they will win. Or am I just being cynical?
Dan Balz: You're just being cynical.
Pittsburgh, Pa.: As the election nears, races are tightening, some in favor of Republicans. This thing seems to occur every election cycle just prior to the big day. What's the cause? Undecideds finally making up their minds? Successful get-out-the-vote campaigns?
Dan Balz: The size of the Democrats' lead in the generic has been very large all through the fall. One thing that may be happening is the Republican coalition finally has begun to coalesce. Normally that would have happened earlier -- usually it's the Democrats who have trouble keeping their coalition together and energized -- but there are clearly divisions among Republicans that have made that more difficult this year. Republican officials think that, perhaps, rank-and-file Republicans have pushed those to the sidelines and are thinking more about their fear of Democrats taking over the House and maybe the Senate. But the GOP coalition is still fractured.
Erie, Pa.: Intriguing that Republicans who have spent the last two months telling everyone to ignore the polls are now pointing to them as evidence of a surge. Your thoughts?
Dan Balz: It's not surprising given the circumstances. Some Republican officials have said ignore the polls because as election day nears, things will get better for their party. Maybe that's what is happening, but this is still an unhappy country.
Burke, Va.: CNN's poll numbers seem to showing the momentum switching back to the Democrats again. Maybe it's Haggard having an effect.
Also the complaints about robocalling is not that the Republicans are robocalling, but they are trying to seem as if they are Democrats harrying people with repeated calls - sometimes up to six or more calls.
Dan Balz: CNN shows a greater margin for the Democrats today than a week ago. I don't know whether the Haggard resignation has affected their survey.
Rockville, Md.: Although I consider myself a political junkie, I haven't willingly watched a campaign ad on TV in years. Most people I know would say the same thing. So, how are the huge expenditures justified, in our age of MUTE buttons, remote controls, and TIVO's?
Dan Balz: TV ads are less effective but still effective. Viewing habits are very fragmented, which means it takes more volume to break through. But TV still represents the biggest portion of any major campaign budget.
St Paul, Minn.: Dan -- What impact do you see late-breaking events having on the election -- in particular, Haggard, Saddam, the call today in military newspapers for Rumsfeld to be fired? Also, Cheney said yesterday that no matter what, the WH's approach to Iraq won't change. Can the Dems make anything out of that at this late date?
Dan Balz: The Democrats are trying to close the campaign on the issue of Iraq, which remains the dominant issue of the campaign. Those voting primarily because of Iraq are tilting toward the Democrats. There is so much noise and news at the end of this campaign that I wonder how much voters are focusing on any particular incident. Does the guilty verdict in the Saddam Hussein case have more impact (and in what way) than calls in military newspapers for Rumsfeld to leave?
Seattle, Wash.: I think you should revisit the robocall question. The GOP is paying for robocalls that are ostensibly from Democrats and that repeat multiple times with the only purpose of annoying the caller.
Not only is this behavior despicable, but it's also illegal in many places. These last-minute tactics should be exposed as the dirty tricks they are and not, as you suggested, politics as usual.
Dan Balz: They are getting exposure, particularly in the states where they are taking place. Rep. Charlie Bass in New Hampshire has asked them to be taken down. Some people are highly offended by these, others say they are not materially different from what campaigns have done in the past. We're trying to make sense of it.
Arlington, Va.: Here we are, the day before the 2006 election, and looking into the future.
Mr. Balz, if John Negron of Florida manages to win the Foley seat, and if Sekula-Gibbs is able to win the write-in race for DeLay's seat in Texas, would you conclude there is a chance for the Republicans to hang on the control levers of the House? And would you tell the readers what the Democrats would do if they only have the 218 majority? Is it payback or gridlock? Will anything be accomplished with such a slender majority? Thank you.
Dan Balz: Republicans could win those two seats and still lose the House, although the tide would not be as large as some earlier predicted.
If Democrats emerge with a tiny majority, I would foresee gridlock -- unless the leadership on both sides and President Bush decide to operate in a way totally different from what we've seen the last five or six years.
Those polls: Tak a close look at the fine print. Suddenly the base percentage breakdown between Dems/Reps/Indys changed to a mix more favorable to the Reps. Thus your difference and "tightening".
It's akin to saying "there is a noted increase in meat consumption by Americans", while ignoring that the pollster reduced the percentage of vegetarians by 20% in his survey sample.
Dan Balz: It's more complicated than that, and because I'm not a pollster I will not try to provide the methodological reasons. But these final polls are based on "screens" for likely voters, and that can mean more Republicans or Democrats than if you simply use a sample of registered voters. But it's not done arbitrarily.
Richmond, Va.: The Democrats have recruited a number of conservative candidates who sound more like Republicans i.e. Heath Schuler in NC and a couple in Southern Indiana. If they win and the Democrats wind up with only a 5 or 6 seat majority in the house how is Nancy Pelosi going to keep them in line?
Dan Balz: If your scenario becomes reality, Rep. Pelosi will have a challenging management assignment. The Democrats slated to take over major committees represent the Old Guard and in many cases are from the liberal wing of the party. As you suggest, many of the recruits this year fit their more conservative districts. Pelosi has suggested to centrists that she will take their views into account in formulating party priorities.
Washington, D.C.: Please give us some insight into YOUR evening, tomorrow. Will you have 5 TV monitors, 3 computers, 4 telephone lines, etc. and what time do you expect to go home Tuesday night?
Dan Balz: I don't expect to go home "Tuesday night." My hope is to get home briefly on Wednesday morning before Washington Post Radio beckons at 7 a.m.
I wish I had 5 TV monitors and 3 computers. But we have plenty of people helping to monitor results. It will be chaotic and occasionally nerve-wracking, but Election Nights are always fun.
Dunn Loring, Va.: I heard a political "expert" over the weekend say that if the incumbent is at 47 percent or below just before election day then he hasn't "made the sale" and the undecideds will usually vote for the challenger. Is this true?
Dan Balz: That is often the case but we've seen examples to the contrary. In 2000, undecided voters broke more toward Al Gore than George W. Bush, to the surprise of the Bush team.
Part of this has to do with the effectiveness of get-out-the-vote operations. In a close election, they can affect the composition of the electorate and in a country where Republicans and Democrats now line up 90-10 or better for candidates from their party, getting more Rs or Ds to the polls can have a big impact.
The other question about undecided voters is whether they actually make up their minds and show up on Election Day or just stay home.
Gridlock: is not a bad thing. Last time I checked, we had a government of checks and balances, with the legislative keeping a close eye on the executive (and vice versa). That hasn't happened for five years. And we need a strong dose of it.
Dan Balz: Checks and balances are important. Gridlock results in the absence of action on important issues. I think there's a big difference.
Athens, Ga.: Dan, on election night we will undoubtedly hear at least one (more likely several) loser tell his supporters (to groans and boos) that the winner is really an ok guy/gal and we will be ok. The problem is the politicians are professionals and know it's just part of the game. But average people have a hard time letting go of the hatred that has been instilled in them by the campaign. What, if anything, can be done about this?
Dan Balz: This is a question that really should be turned around and asked of all Americans, because it goes to what kind of country everyone wants. Campaigns contribute to partisanship, but partisanship contributes to the negativity of campaigns. This is a very divided country and both sides understandably blame the other for much of the problem. But until voters demand a different kind of politics, this isn't likely to change.
Grinnell, Iowa: Here in Iowa , we have 4 Republicans and 1 Democrat in the House; if polls are to be believed, after tomorrow, we'll have 3 Democrats and 2 Republicans. That's quite a shift! (Also likely: a Democratic governor). My question: are there other states like Iowa that are likely to see such a dramatic swing in House representation? Or is it more a case of a few seats here, a few there in most states?
Dan Balz: Democrats are counting on real gains in Iowa tomorrow, although at this point the Democrats I've talked to see a gain of 1 House seat -- most likely in the 1st District. The 2nd District has voted Democratic in presidential elections, but Republican Rep. Jim Leach has managed to hang on in spite of the tilt of the district. Most Democrats believe he will do so again tomorrow.
Ohio is a state where larger changes are anticipated. The governorship and Senate seats are likely to switch and several House seats may as well. Pennsylvania could see significant changes. In Connecticut, three incumbent Republicans are in tough races. New York has a bunch of GOP seats at risk. But we don't know whether Democrats will gain a few or a lot in those states -- or perhaps just one or none.
Lyme, Conn.: We are getting barraged with phone calls from the North Carolina Democrats here in Connecticut. Am I to presume from this discussion that these are not misdirected calls from the North Carolina Democrats but calls from the Republicans to make me annoyed at the Democrats?
Dan Balz: I don't know what has caused that. Thanks for letting us know.
Dan Balz: Thanks to everyone for sending in questions. We're out of time for today but keep checking our web site for updates and tune in every day at 11 for more chatting. Have a good Election Day!
Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.
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Join live discussions from the Washington Post. Feature topics include national, world and DC area news, politics, elections, campaigns, government policy, tech regulation, travel, entertainment, cars, and real estate.
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2006 Nicaraguan Elections (washingtonpost.com)
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Daniel Ortega, 60, is the candidate of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) party. Ortega, who led the Sandinistas to oust Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza in 1979, served as president from 1985 to 1990. Ortega lost elections in 1990, 1996 and 2001. The leftist Sandinista government is credited with implementing social programs and reforms, but is criticized for economic ineptitude. Ortega tapped a former foe for his campaign, choosing ex-Contras spokesman Jaime Morales as a running mate.
Despite Ortega's anti-capitalist record and previous criticisms of the Central American Free Trade Agreement, he has softened his rhetoric during the campaign, saying he has changed his Marxist ideology and will maintain economic relations with the United States.
José Rizo, 62, is the candidate of the ruling Liberal Constitutionalist Party (PLC), the main opposition to the Sandinistas. A coffee farmer by trade, Rizo served as vice president under President Bolanos before resigning to run for the presidency. He is backed by former president Arnoldo Aleman, who was convicted of money laundering and fraud in 2003. Rizo has tried to distance himself from Aleman, who is currently under house arrest.
Eduardo Montealegre, 51, heads the Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance (ALN), which split from the PLC after party leader Arnoldo Aleman's fraud conviction. The Ivy League-educated banker was foreign minister under Aleman and finance minister for President Enrique Bolanos. Montealegre, a favorite of the U.S. Embassy and business elites and is Ortega's closest rival. Montealegre has tried to portray himself as an antidote to government corruption.
Edmundo Jarquín, 59, became the candidate of the Sandinista Renovation Movement (MRS) after former Mangua mayor Herty Lewites' sudden death in July. Jarquín is a former Sandinista diplomat and also served as an economist with the Inter-American Development Bank.
Edén Pastora, 69, of the Alternative for Change (AC) party is a former guerrilla leader famous for his exploits as "Commandante Cero." He has trailed the four major candidates with around one percent of the vote in pre-election polls.
Nicaraguans went to the polls Nov. 5, 2006, to elect a president and members of the National Assembly for five-year terms. The president is elected by popular vote; 90 legislative deputies are elected by proportional representation from party lists. In order to win in the first round, a candidate must either gain 40 percent of the vote outright or win 35 percent and lead the second-place candidate by at least five percentage points.
The government's electoral branch, the Supreme Electoral Council, organizes and conducts elections. The council is led by seven magistrates who are elected to five-year terms by the National Assembly.
Daniel Ortega won the election with about 38 percent of the ballots cast. Under Nicaraguan election law, a candidate can win a first-round with 35 percent of ballots and a five-point lead. Eduardo Montealegre conceded the election Nov. 7 after garnering 29 percent of the vote.
Election results showed Ortega's Sandinista National Liberation Front holding the largest number of seats in the National Assembly, but not winning a majority.
Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, with about half the population living below the poverty line. The country has a high debt and unemployment rate, and has struggled to rebuild its economy after years of financial mismanagement, civil war and natural disasters.
The country has also been experiencing electrical blackouts, and there is concern that a power outage on election day would interfere with voting. Corruption has also been an important issue, as Nicaraguans express a growing dissatisfaction with the democratic process and a desire for governmental reform.
However, the biggest issue in this election has been Ortega as a candidate. While the Sandinistas retain a solid core of support of one-third of voters, a majority has repeatedly voted against him. Many voters' concerns, such as land ownership and property security, stem from the economic instability of Ortega's rule during the 1980s, when U.S. backed contra rebels waged war on the Sandinista government. In the 1990s, Ortega denied accusations by his stepdaughter that he sexually molested her when she was young.
In 1999, Daniel Ortega and former president Arnoldo Aleman formed a controversial pact between the Sandinistas and the Liberal Constitutionalist Party. Many Nicaraguans have grown tired of the pact, saying leaders of the competing parties tolerate each other's corruption in order to maintain influence. The pact has also stripped current President Enrique Bolanos of much of his presidential power. He was expelled from the Liberal Constitutionalist Party in 2003 and has been fending off efforts to impeach him since.
The United States and Venezuela view Nicaragua as a key country in a battle for influence in Latin America. Election monitor groups have accused both countries of interfering, and the Organization of American States has warned countries not to meddle in the election.
The United States fears that Ortega would be a destabilizing presence in the region. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has thrown his full support, along with shipments of cheap oil and fertilizer, behind Ortega and the Sandinista party.
A big one. While diplomatic protocol holds that the United States does not get involved in other country's elections, the rule is observed in the breach in Central America. As in the 2001 election, the United States has been vocal in its disapproval of Ortega and its support for his opponent - Montealegre -- in this election. The United States views an Ortega victory as a setback for democracy in Nicaragua, saying Ortega would discourage investment and hurt Nicaragua's slowly-growing economy. U.S. officials also fear an alliance between an Ortega-led government and the leftist governments of Venezuela, Bolivia and Castro's Cuba.
Nicaragua relies heavily on aid from the United States and is part of the Central American Free Trade Agreement. U.S. officials have warned Nicaragua that an Ortega win would strain the relationship between the two countries and could reduce the flow of aid. The United States also opposes PLC candidate Jose Rizo, an ally of the convicted former president, Arnoldo Aleman, suggesting he represents a throwback to Nicaragua's corrupt past.
Sources: Staff and wire reports, U.S. Department of State, La Prensa, Latin Business Chronicle | Compiled by Heather Farrell, washingtonpost.com; Editing by Amanda Zamora and Jeff Morley, washingtonpost.com
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Sixteen years after losing power, Sandinista leader Daniel Ortega has retaken it, winning Nicaragua's presidential election in the first round.
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Hussein Sentenced To Death By Hanging
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BAGHDAD, Nov. 5 -- A divided and violence-ridden Iraq broke into starkly disparate displays of emotion on Sunday after judges in Baghdad condemned former president Saddam Hussein to hang for crimes against humanity.
In the south, a Shiite Muslim father held aloft the tiny, shrouded remains of a young son killed long ago during Hussein's armed campaign against the majority sect. The father danced with his son's bones in the street among celebrating crowds, elated at the news.
In the north, a Sunni Arab man in Hussein's home city strapped an explosives belt around his waist and vowed to avenge the death penalty handed to the former dictator.
"Today's sentences were a death sentence on righteousness, and this makes it obligatory to take the revenge for Iraq," said the man, 29-year-old shopkeeper Ibrahim Yahya, joining other Sunnis in jabbing rifle muzzles and pistols in the air in angry protest.
Elsewhere, Kurds pounded giant drums in traditional celebration. Shiite boys and men threw candy and fired into the air. Bitter-faced Sunni men clasped Hussein's portrait in one hand, a weapon in the other. The varied reactions demonstrated how long-standing divisions have widened in Iraq since Hussein's fall and threatened to divide and bloody the country further.
In Baghdad's Green Zone, a five-judge Iraqi panel announced a unanimous sentence of death for Hussein and two of his seven co-defendants, including Hussein's half brother. Four other defendants were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 15 years to life, and an eighth was acquitted.
The sentences of death and life imprisonment will be automatically appealed, with no time limit set for the appellate judges' decision.
If Hussein is executed, it would cut short his prosecution for campaigns in the 1980s and '90s in which his government allegedly killed tens of thousands -- or more -- of Shiites and minority Kurds. The charges on which he was convicted Sunday arose from an incident of lesser magnitude: the retaliatory executions of 148 Shiite men and boys from the town of Dujail in the 1980s.
The United States largely funded Hussein's trial, and U.S. officials close to the trial said Sunday's outcome vindicated the policy of having courts in individual nations try cases involving war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Bush administration has been a leading opponent of international tribunals, fearing that U.S. soldiers could be tried before them for political reasons.
After a meandering, year-long trial, Sunday's sentencing was rapid-fire, brusque and volatile.
"Make him stand up," Chief Judge Raouf Rasheed Abdel-Rahman ordered after Hussein, wearing the same dark suit and open-collared shirt he had worn for most of the trial, took a seat when he entered the courtroom and refused to rise.
Six Iraqi guards hauled Hussein to his feet and held his arms behind his back as his fate was declared. The former leader broke into shouts as soon as Abdel-Rahman began reading. In the five minutes that followed, each man shouted increasingly louder to be heard over the other.
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BAGHDAD, Nov. 5 -- A divided and violence-ridden Iraq broke into starkly disparate displays of emotion on Sunday after judges in Baghdad condemned former president Saddam Hussein to hang for crimes against humanity.
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Bush Applauds Hussein Verdict
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GRAND ISLAND, Neb., Nov. 5 -- President Bush and politicians from both parties hailed the conviction of Saddam Hussein on Sunday but disagreed on its larger meaning as campaign strategists tried to gauge the political impact just 48 hours before hard-fought midterm elections.
Speaking in the shadow of Air Force One on a Texas tarmac and at later campaign events, Bush called the verdict a "landmark event" in Iraq's transition to democracy, and aides hoped it would be seen as vindication of his decision to go to war. Democrats were quick to agree that justice had been done for a vicious tyrant but argued it would not fix what they see as the debacle in Iraq.
The timing of the verdict, which had been scheduled weeks ago, stirred anxiety among Democrats who worried it could be a "November surprise" that would persuade Republicans to turn out, much as the release of an Osama bin Laden tape just before the 2004 election was credited with helping to put Bush over the top. Some voiced suspicions that the Bush administration had orchestrated the court schedule to influence the vote, a contention the White House rejected.
Some key strategists in both parties, however, said they doubted the verdict would make much difference. In a campaign that has been dominated by debate over the Iraq war, it provided a rare day of good news for Bush at a key moment, they said, but most voters had already made up their minds about how they view the situation there.
"It makes the environment incrementally better but only incrementally," said Ed Rogers, a Republican lobbyist close to the White House. "It reminds everybody of what a bad guy Saddam was. It reminds everybody of why we were there in the first place. I don't know that it drives any votes at this point. I wish it did, but it doesn't."
Hussein "was a brutal, evil dictator" who is "getting the punishment that he deserves," Sen. Charles E. Schumer (N.Y.), who runs the Senate Democratic campaign arm, said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press." But, he added, "I don't think his conviction makes much of a difference in this election, even though it's a very good thing that it happened."
Hussein has been a regular feature of Bush's stump speech for weeks as the president tells audiences that he made the right decision in removing the Iraqi leader from power and argues that the world is better off. By the time the verdict was announced in a Baghdad court, aides traveling with Bush on the campaign trail were ready with talking points. White House press secretary Tony Snow was booked on television programs starting at 7 a.m., and his office sent e-mails touting other reactions.
"Saddam Hussein's trial is a milestone in the Iraqi people's efforts to replace the rule of a tyrant with the rule of law," Bush told reporters before leaving Texas for campaign stops here and in Topeka, Kan. "It's a major achievement for Iraq's young democracy and its constitutional government."
Although he did not predict whether it would help the reconciliation process in Iraq, Bush portrayed the trial as a chance to expunge Hussein's legacy. "The man who once struck fear in the hearts of Iraqis had to listen to free Iraqis recount the acts of torture and murder that he ordered against their families and against them," he said. "Today, the victims of this regime have received a measure of the justice which many thought would never come."
He then introduced the verdict into his campaign speech later in the day, using similar language. When he announced the verdict at a boisterous rally here in a hall filled with flags, cornhusks and hay bales, the crowd cheered.
Other Republicans, who have been on the defensive over the war as U.S. troop casualties spiked to a two-year high, quickly jumped on the bandwagon. "This verdict is a victory for justice and a victory for the Iraqi people and all freedom-loving people in the Middle East," said House Majority Leader John Boehner (Ohio). His whip, Roy Blunt (Mo.), said the world is "safer because Saddam Hussein sits on death row, not in a palace in Baghdad plotting to harm millions of innocent Americans and Iraqis."
Democrats praised the verdict while still bashing Bush. "Tragically, I believe today's verdict does not change the fact that the administration's policy in Iraq has been the most incompetent execution of American foreign policy in my lifetime," said House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (Md.). Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid (Nev.) said "the Iraqis have traded a dictator for chaos. Neither option is acceptable, especially when it is our troops who are caught in the middle."
Appearing on ABC's "This Week," Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean called the court's decision "a great verdict" and said Hussein "is a war criminal and he's getting what he deserves." But, Dean said, the war remains a mistake. "This was a miscalculation by people who didn't understand what they were getting into. And if they'd listened to Colin Powell and the rest of the military, they wouldn't have gotten into it."
Democratic leaders avoided publicly accusing the Bush administration of orchestrating the verdict's timing but privately some raised questions, and liberal Internet blogs have been full of angry discussion about it. The Iraqi court originally planned to render a verdict in October but delayed it until two days before the election, prompting a defense lawyer for Hussein to write a letter accusing Bush of manipulating the proceedings for campaign purposes.
Snow dismissed the suggestion as "preposterous" and absurd. "Are you smoking rope?" he replied when a reporter asked about timing manipulation aboard Air Force One on Saturday. "Are you telling me that in Iraq, that they're sitting around -- I'm sorry, that the Iraqi judicial system is coming up with an October surprise?" Corrected on the date, he expressed incredulity, "A November surprise. Man, that's -- wow."
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GRAND ISLAND, Neb., Nov. 5 -- President Bush and politicians from both parties hailed the conviction of Saddam Hussein on Sunday but disagreed on its larger meaning as campaign strategists tried to gauge the political impact just 48 hours before hard-fought midterm elections.
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Saddam Sentenced to Death
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Michael A. Newton , a professor at Vanderbilt University Law School who helped establish the Iraqi High Criminal Court, was online Monday, Nov. 6, at 1 p.m. ET to discuss the verdict announcement in the trial of Saddam Hussein . The former Iraqi dictator was sentenced to hang for the deaths of 143 people in the town of Dujail.
Newton, also a former senior adviser to the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues, has made three trips to Baghdad to advise and assist court personnel and has spent extensive time with Iraqi investigators, judges, and prosecutors on issues of international criminal law.
New York, N.Y.: It certainly seems correct that this man face execution for the crimes he has committed against civilians.
But what precedent does this lead to?
Are those who are responsible for the bombings, and loss of life among the civilian population of Iraq, subject to review by Iraq courts; somewhere down the road?
Michael A. Newton: There is a distinction between jus in bello law [what we typically refer to as the law of armed conflict], which is the body of law regulating the conduct of hostilities, and the substantive body of crimes against humanity. These officials were convicted of crimes against humanity, which required affirmative proof of a widespread or systematic attack pursuant to or in furtherance of a State or organizational policy to attack civilians. There are many other forums for addressing war crimes committed during armed conflicts. In fact, there have been a number of trials in both American and British military courts for offenses alleged to have been committed against civilians.
Anonymous: If and when an execution takes place, would it be public or televised in Iraq?
Michael A. Newton: Like every other aspect of this trial, it will be determined by the Iraqi judges applying their law in the manner best fit to their legal traditions. The one aspect of Iraqi culture that is perfectly clear is that ordinary people will tend to believe that the sentences truly have been carried out only after they see visual evidence. Remember that many doubted that it really was Saddam captured in December 2003 until they saw him live. Others doubted that Saddam's cruel sons were actually dead until they saw the bodies. I believe that the Iraqis will do what they deem to be in the best interests of upholding Iraqi law and the needs of society. On interesting twist to all of this is that Iraqi law does provide that the body of any person subject to capital punishment is to be returned to the family after the sentence has been carried out.
New York, N.Y.: I was under the impression that Hussein's trial was to be a South Africa-style reconciliation that promoted national healing. But the celebration after the announcement of the verdict was almost exclusively Shiite. It seems Sunnis -- at least those from Saddam's hometown -- doubted the legitimacy of the trying court.
If a guilty verdict plunges the country into more sectarian violence, will that mean it has been a failure?
Michael A. Newton: The one thing that united all Iraqis under the regime was the osmosis of fear and control in which they lived. there are other investigations that directly involve victims from all ethnic and societal groups. The Iraqis intend for this process to illustrate international standards in practice, and they also intended this to stand in sharp contradistinction to the executions that routinely occurred in Iraq with no public disclosure or right to prepare a defense. The process is intended by the Iraqis to serve as a doorway for the introduction of this complex body of international law to the wider Arab world. One of the most persuasive arguments for televising the trial in its entirety was to permit ordinary Iraqis the opportunity to see people just like themselves look the Ba'athists in the eyes and describe what happened to them and to their families. This is a completely new model in that part of the world, and like any other new process has not gone been flawless. In the end, these trials will serve the ends of justice and reconciliation among ordinary Iraqis.
McLean, Va.: I'd like to begin by thanking you for being here. My question has to do with the sentencing. How can death by hanging be viewed as legitimate or acceptable by anyone with any regards for or belief in international human rights standards? This verdict undermines any legitimacy of the courts, let alone steps towards Iraqi reconciliation at this already delicate time. Could you please share you opinion on death by hanging? Thanks again.
Michael A. Newton: The Iraqis insisted, and rightly so in my view, in conforming their processes to preexisting Iraqi law. The most illegitimate form of law enforcement in my view would have been to demand that they ignore their suffering and apply only a process externally imposed. Remember that these judges have experience and that this tribunal is based on existing Iraqi procedural law, with the caveat that the gaps have been filled with the incorporation of international substance and standards when necessary. Sovereign authorities empowering their courts to impose sanctions for the most serious crimes known to mankind [genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity] is the most legitimate and practicable form of enforcement. This is PRECISELY what governments that adopt the International Criminal Court statute are doing in their own domestic courts.
Brookeville, Md.: C'mon, wasn't this result a foregone conclusion? I can't believe that anyone on earth was honestly surprised by the result.
My question is, I've wondered all along why he was tried for actions that took place over 20 years ago. Wouldn't it have been easier to prove more recent charges?
Michael A. Newton: The legal conclusions are based on the very detailed body of evidence adduced in open court. One of the tensions in this process was between attempts to divert attention from the evidence and the purpose of the bench to keep out irrelevant political considerations and conduct an orderly trial based on the principles of law and evidence. The outcome and sentences were in no way a foregone conclusion. In fact, the imminent publication of the detailed written opinion will be one of the most telling moments of the entire process. The Statute requires publication of such a written opinion making explicit linkage between the individual actions of each accused and the findings and sentence imposed by the bench. The other primary purpose of the written opinion will be to record the rulings from the bench related to the legitimacy of the trial itself. As to the substance of the charges and the sequencing of cases, those are decisions driven by Iraqis based on when cases are ready for trial and based on the reports of investigative judges regarding the legal efficacy of the evidence.
West Orange, N.J.: What share of evidence presented at Saddam's trial would be admissible in a U.S. court? Did anyone consider trying him first for crimes against Sunnis? Might that have cut perceptions that the trial was a sectarian vendetta? Were Saddam's courtroom antics unusual, or did Tojo and Goering also rant and defy the judge? Will Saddam's execution reduce or exacerbate sectarian violence in Iraq?
Michael A. Newton: As to the evidence, the relevant standard derives from international law. The entire referral file prepared by the investigative judge and admitted at trial here was provided to the defense a full 60 days before the onset of trial and would have been admitted in other tribunals applying international law and based on international standards. The Iraqi constitution provides that "the right of defense is sacred at all stages of investigation and prosecution." this is no idle sentiment in their legal culture, as evidenced by the fact that the judges recited this from the bench during trial on a number of occasions. Having said that, the right of defendants to participate in their own defense is a qualified right and not an absolute right. As expected, some of these defendants engaged in outrageous conduct designed to appeal to forces outside the courtroom. In response to these attempts to avoid engaging on the actual evidence and to demean the proceedings, the judges did precisely what is done in the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. The judges in Baghdad took precisely the same measures adopted in the ad hoc international tribunals, Milosevic and Seselj are two representative cases. They would admonish defendants and then remove from the courtroom if necessary where they would watch the proceedings on closed circuit TV from their cells. When they were ready to come back and act with proper decorum they were always permitted to come back. There were several occasions when Saddam and other defendants would actually apologize to the bench.
Norfolk, Va.: Is it just a coincidence that the sentencing of Saddam Hussein occurred just two days before the midterm Congressional elections?
Michael A. Newton: The timing is a complete coincidence. For months, the judges here have been under pressure from around the world and from their own people to move as swiftly as possible. Remember that the criticisms of the pace of trial and its handling prompted the first judge to resign in protest. There was simply no way to please every observer or commentator with regard to either timing or conduct of the proceedings. The judges delayed issuing the verdict from its previously scheduled mid-Oct date because it was simply not ready. Even though the verdict was issued, the formal written opinion that is detailed and comprehensive in explaining the legal reasoning has not yet been published, possibly because it to is still being completed.
Bowie, Md.: I supposed the million-dollar question is whether this verdict will be considered a legitimate act of jurisprudence by the Iraqi justice system; or if the people of Iraq and the rest of the Muslim world think the United States implicitly demanded it as a condition for independence.
Michael A. Newton: One of the Iraqi judges asked me one time whether people would study their opinions in much the same manner as they study the Nuremberg processes. This trial is truly groundbreaking in that region. The judges know that ordinary people are following its proceedings with rapt attention. The process of ordinary Iraqis facing down the people who caused their suffering is the most legitimate and demonstrated example of the rule of law in practice. This is almost a unique example in any country for the former leaders of that nation to be prosecuted in its own courts. As other trials unfold, and the people continue to see the rule of law in practice, I believe that the legitimacy and credibility of this process will be well established in historical hindsight. No one can tell for sure what happens to the long term rule of law in Iraq, but this process must stand in very sharp contrast to the secretive Special courts in which Ba'athist judges condemned people with no trial or opportunity to present a defense. One of the most dramatic exchanges of the entire trial from my perspective was the moment when the trial judge demanded that the former judge of the Revolutionary court,Awad Bandar [a co-defendant, also sentenced to death for imposing a death sentence on Dujaili civilians with no trial] explain "what kind of judge were you."
Saranac Lake, N.Y.: Did Saddam get a fair trial, according to our notions of jurisprudence? Why wasn't he tried by a jury?
Michael A. Newton: This trial, while far from perfect, was absolutely in accordance with international standards of justice. There were indeed some technical defects along the way and some things that from the outside I wish had been handled differently, but the defense had a full right to participate. The international law term is "equality of arms" and they had every chance to present their defense perspectives. These defendants were not tried by a jury because the norm in other international tribunals is to use benches of judges [Nuremberg, ICTY, ICTR, ICC, Sierra Leone Special Court, etc.] and because the tribunal is grounded in Iraqi procedural law. Their system is an inquisitorial system in which the role of judges and prosecutors is much different from our own adversarial model. The norm in Iraq is for criminal trials to be held before judges. The inherent legitimacy of using Iraqi domestic law as the cornerstone of the court meant that external demands for them to change their system would have resulted in a process seen by the Iraqi people as an illegitimate form of foreign domination. Remember that the fundamental goal here is to serve as a model of the rule of law in practice, and that goal is best served by the kind of open transparency demonstrated here.
South Padre Island, Tex.: I recall reading that Paul Bremer abolished that death penalty and believe that Saddam Hussein was charged at that time. If my memory is correct, once Bremer left power, the death penalty was reinstated and was claimed applicable to Hussein because even though he was charged when there was no death penalty, he committed his crimes when there was one. This would not, I think, hold under U.S. law though that's not what applies here. Will this likely be a point of appeal?
Michael A. Newton: Great question with a great legal insight. The relevant principle derived from international human rights law is called lex mitior, meaning that the defendant is entitled to the benefit of a lesser punishment enacted by law. The critical point here is that as a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights the Iraqi criminal code adopts the lex mitior principle precisely. This principle is embedded in Iraqi procedural law in Paragraph 2, Part One, Section Two, of the 1969 code as follows:
(1) The occurrence and consequences of an offence are determined in accordance with the law in force-at the time of its commission and the time of commission is determined by reference to the time at which the criminal act occurs and not by reference to the time when the consequence of the offence is realised:
(2) However, if one or more laws are enacted after an offence has been committed and before final judgment is given, then the law that is most favourable to the convicted person is applied.
Bremer's decree, while valid under occupation law, had temporary force only during the period of occupation. It did not purport to be, nor was it the legal equivalent, of a "law enacted after an offence" required by Iraqi law to obviate a capital sentence as one of the range of options available to these judges.
Provo, Utah: When will the execution take place? Will it be fairly soon, or will it happen years down the road?
Michael A. Newton: the Iraqi process of appeals in capital cases is far far quicker than our own model. While no one knows the future, unless these capital verdicts are overturned for technical legal reasons, then they will probably not take years to implement.
Atlanta, Ga.: Most Sunnis see Saddam's conviction and sentence as illegitimate, written by Americans, and an affront to Iraqi sovereignty. The Shias, Kurds and Americans may think it's justice, but to Sunnis it only undermines already shakey-to-nonexistent faith in their legal system, and makes Saddam a martyr. Wouldn't it have been better to extradite Saddam to the ICC, or at least wait until the Americans had left?
Michael A. Newton: The ICC has no jurisdiction to hear this case because it cannot fit within the parameters of the requirements from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The offenses occurred before the July 1, 2002 threshold and Iraq is not a state party to the ICC. No other international forum had jurisdiction. The United States could, in theory, have simply instituted a form of occupation courts to enforce the law, but that would have been properly decried as an illegitimate external domination. The Iraqis demanded a form of accountability be developed from the very first days that they had a voice after the downfall of the regime in the spring of 2003. the most legitimate process is precisely what happened -- the Iraqis implemented international law into their own system and re-ratified that step at every point, to include after the return of full sovereignty. The Iraqis are best positioned to determine whether implementation of this sentence will make these Ba'athists into martyrs or not. Remember that there are other trials involving the full scope of Iraqi groups and many many other defendants possible.
Baltimore, Md.: My understanding is that ordinarily a written verdict would have been handed down, and turned over to the defense so that it could begin to prepare an appeal, at the same time as the oral verdict and sentence that was delivered yesterday. This wasn't done; it has been reported that the written verdict won't be ready until Thursday.
Is my understanding correct? If so, what was the urgency requiring the oral verdict and sentence to be delivered, irregularly, before the written verdict was ready? Why not wait until Thursday and eliminate the suspicion that the oral verdict was rushed out in order to be used in the U.S. campaign?
Michael A. Newton: I do not know, except to speculate that the court did not want to deviate from the announced November 5th date. One possible reason for going ahead as scheduled is that perhaps defense counsel had come into the country from outside and did not want to wait around for the simultaneous pronouncement of verdict and issuance of the formal and detailed opinion.
Newport, R.I.: Could you please discuss the IHT appeals process?
Michael A. Newton: Like other tribunals, the IHT has an Appeals chamber [normally referred to in Iraqi law as the Cassation Court]. The prosecution could have appealed the finding of not guilty as in other tribunals, but they announced at yesterday's press conference that they did not intend to do so. The Cassation court can hear appeals if the verdict is in contradistinction with the law or if there is an error in interpreting it, or based on an error of procedure or an error regarding a material fact that resulted in a miscarriage of justice. The Cassation court can overturn, reverse, or revise the decisions of the Trial chamber.
Gaithersburg, Md.: Not directly about the verdict, but what has been learned to date about who killed the former defense lawyers?
Michael A. Newton: No one knows. The murders were truly tragic and completely avoidable. Having said that, there are any number of reasons why someone would have killed them. The court condemned the murders from the bench and granted delays to the defense when needed to permit them additional time to prepare. The court also ordered that procedures for the security of defense counsel be updated and each defense counsel was under the security provisions that he selected from the possible options.
San Jose, Calif.: How does the legitimacy of this court stand up to recognized international standards? How can a defendant have a fair trial if his defense attorneys were murdered one after another. In my opinion, this trial should have taken place outside of Iraq.
Michael A. Newton: Your note tells me that you live in California -- how would you feel if someone demanded that the persons who made your town suffer could only be tried in Canada? You would want to see the process of accountability, and if you were a witness you would probably not want to travel to another country to participate in a foreign and unfamiliar trial setting. The Iraqis were no different. Despite the enormous difficulties posed by the security environment, there were both willing and able to conduct these trials. International criminal law in its modern evolution puts the primacy on domestic forums conducting cases when they are willing and able to do so, which was the case here.
Virginia: Thank you for taking the time to answer questions today.
It appears to me that the Hussein trial backfired. He was given an opportunity to grandstand and rally the spirits of hardline Baathists and Sunnis who are already looking back at the Hussein era with nostalgia. The proceedings have stuttered along in between the assassinations of its participants. I presume we have a few more trials to go through as Saddam is tried for other crimes. Though important for establishing precedent, I don't understand why the Iraqis didn't start with less charismatic underlings before bringing the main act on stage.
Michael A. Newton: One of the most striking features of this trial for close observers [and very powerful evidence of its overall fairness] is that the judges continued to allow Saddam and other defendants the right granted to them to participate in their defense even AFTER it became obvious that they would commingle legitimate participation in the trial with illegitimate exhortations to the insurgents and completely improper appeals to political processes or ideals. The judge tried to walk the fine line between a fair trial and maintaining orderly and appropriate decorum in a court of law. He had a very difficult position. As I noted the Seselj, Milosevic, and Massouai trials all posed the same types of challenges.
Alexandria, Va.: How do you think the international community will react to the sentence - not just to death by hanging - but to the imposition of death in general, as much of the international community opposes the death penalty?
Michael A. Newton: Despite their rhetoric and public convictions that the rule of law and the end of impunity is important, much of the international community turned its back on the Iraqis when they asked for assistance. Despite the provision allowing for international judges and advisors, no government allowed its judges to participate. The Secretary General of the United Nations forbade the experienced judges from the ICTY in The Hague from meeting with the Iraqi judges to share their experience and perspectives. Much of the international community was willing to demand that the Iraqis ignore their centuries old legal traditions in favor of simply deferring to external standards. For me, this is a betrayal of the real principles of legitimacy and accountability that should unite all nations of the world. This was one of the cruelest and most murderous regimes in world history, and we place principle over pragmatism when we decline to assist because of OUR notions rather than assisting them in modernizing and implementing a fair system in THEIR country for THEIR people.
Sun Prairie, Wis.: Mr. Newton: Good day. What do you say in response to the argument that the trial of Saddam Hussein, which to date has taken almost exactly twice the amount of time needed to arrest, try, convict, and execute sentence on all the senior Nazis at Nuremberg, has been a fiasco that has succeeded only in getting a lot of people killed?
The process of preparing a trial in the first place required keeping the one man less popular in Iraq than the occupation out of sight and out of mind for over a year while violence in the country grew progressively worse. The trial itself became a circus, as Milosevic's trial had, but punctuated in addition by the assassination of various officers of the court or their relatives. And in the end this notorious dictator got more consideration than almost any Iraqi accused of far less serious crimes.
This doesn't look like a triumph of justice and rule of law to me. It looks instead like a bizarre exercise that while making any number of international lawyers feel good about themselves has contributed substantially to Iraq's bloody descent over the last three years. You bear some responsibility for the trial of Saddam Hussein; what is your response?
Michael A. Newton: The point of this exercise was to demonstrate the rule of law in practice complying with international standards but demonstrated by Iraqi judges. An ordinary Iraqi engineer recently told me when I asked his opinion that he believed it to have been a mistake to televise the proceedings because it made the trial unlike other trials in Iraq and allowed the defendants to posture for the cameras. Having said that, he believed that it would be a far worse mistake to take the proceedings off camera once they were initiated. In terms of these types of trials, the length has not been inordinate. The first ICTY trial took one year to the day, and others have taken far far longer than this one.
Chicago, Ill.: I don't mean to appear as an apologist for Hussein, but I fail to understand under what law Hussein has been tried under and, to the extent he is not being tried under existing statutes, to what extent can the convictions be understood as legitimate?
Michael A. Newton: This tribunal did precisely what the world did in the context of the international ad hoc tribunals. The Iraqis created a statute, think of that as the formal constitutive document or legal authority for the process, that implemented existing international standards. They fully incorporated the most modern standards of international criminal law into their system and implemented the full range of international legal procedural standards as well. They will benefit from the long term restoration of the rule of law only to the extent that their practices and opinions continue to conform to the mixed Iraqi/international processes.
San Antonio, Tex.: What effect will the death sentence of Saddam Hussein have on the leaders of the other two countries names in the "axis of evil", Iran and N. Korea? We already have seen that by just naming them as part of that axis has seemingly spurred them on to develop nuclear weapons more vehemently. Their reasoning being they need to "fend-off" pre-emptive attacks by the U.S., or more correctly, the Bush administration.
Michael A. Newton: Many proponents of enforcing international standards of justice argue that prosecution of violators has some deterrent effects. This is indeed one of the primary arguments that people use to justify the creation of the ICC. There is some anecdotal evidence that even the Iraqis modified their practices because of the fear of ultimate prosecution [for example ordering memos to be written as "it was ordered" rather than "X official has ordered"]. Time will tell whether these processes have any deterrent effects beyond Iraq, but is very important to remember that these would only be collateral benefits at best. The real beneficiaries of this process are the Iraqis who have dedicated themselves and their lives to building a better nation.
College Park, Md.: 1. What particular lessons were learnt from the Nuremberg trials of WWII (if any) and applied to the prosecution of Saddam and his cohorts?
2. Would you consider this a milestone in Iraq's effort to establish itself as a country with an independent judiciary or did the whole process limp along with US support (financial, political and military)?
Michael A. Newton: The signers of our own Declaration of Independence ended that historic document with the explicit assurance that they pledged their "lives, fortunes, and sacred honor" to the pursuit of its principles. These courageous Iraqis, all of them involved in this process, have taken no less noble a gesture. Remember that there will be other trials. The Anfal trial, which in my opinion and in the opinion of Human Rights Watch absolutely constituted a genocide, is ongoing. The Anfal trial will reveal to ordinary Iraqis the mass graves filled with women and children and shot at close range in the back of the head. Hundreds of Kurdish villages bulldozed under the ground. Young men and boys murdered and thrown into mass graves wearing blindfolds and with their hands tied. There are numerous other trials and defendants yet to come. One of the main lessons of Nuremberg and the other tribunals is that the process of accountability has an ameliorative effect over the long term even as it provides the irrefutable historical record. This is indeed a milestone in that region for Ba'athist party officials to be held accountable by their own people under their own law [implementing international norms and procedures]. thank you all for the comments and insights. My extensive experience with these Iraqis has led me to reaffirm our individual commitment to stand up for the principles of justice and ordinary human decency, and I hope that those who follow these trials closely will share that reaffirmation.
Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.
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Michael A. Newton, a professor at Vanderbilt University Law School who helped establish the Iraqi High Criminal Court, discusses the verdict announcement in the trial of Saddam Hussein.
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Five More U.S. Troops Killed in Iraq
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Two American soldiers were killed aboard a helicopter that crashed in Iraq today, and three U.S. service members died over the weekend from fighting in the country's volatile Anbar province, the U.S. military said.
No gunfire was reported in the area of the helicopter crash in Salahuddin province, a military statement said. The province includes Tikrit, hometown of former president Saddam Hussein. Salahuddin is one of several areas of Iraq placed under curfew this weekend because government officials feared violent reactions to yesterday's sentencing of Hussein, who was condemned to death for crimes against humanity.
The military said it is investigating the cause of the crash. The two soldiers were attached to the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade.
Separately, two Marines and a soldier died Saturday and Sunday from wounds sustained from enemy action in western Anbar province, the military announced.
The names of the five dead service members were withheld pending notification of next of kin.
On Friday, the U.S. military announced the deaths of seven American service members in Iraq.
These fatalities follow one of the deadliest months for U.S. troops since the Iraq war began in March 2003.
In October, 105 U.S. service members were killed, the most in a single month since January 2005.
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Two American soldiers were killed aboard a helicopter that crashed in Iraq today, and three U.S. service members died over the weekend from fighting in the country's volatile Anbar province, the U.S. military said.
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It's Game Time - washingtonpost.com
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Mary Matalin, a Republican who has been at this game for years, is obviously very smart when it comes to elections. So, too, is Paul Kirk, a Democrat who has been at it even longer.
It is a bit odd, then, that when asked for their most coldly objective expertise on the question of who will control the House after Tuesday's voting they would differ by 34 seats. What would we make of doctors who differed so wildly in their perceptions? Cancer, says Kirk. The flu, says Matalin.
Though distressing to contemplate, it could be that Outlook's famous pre-election Crystal Ball contest has been corrupted by sentimentality. Perhaps Kirk, who predicts that Democrats will win 250 districts, is letting his judgment be clouded by wishful thinking. Maybe Matalin, who forecasts that her party will win 218 districts and hold on to the majority by a two-seat margin, has a secret prediction stashed away somewhere but is afraid to confront her former White House colleagues publicly with the unpleasant truth.
There are those who would argue not simply that the Crystal Ball has been corrupted but that it is itself corrupt. It celebrates a conventional wisdom that at best is vaguely right and at worst is a powerful distraction. The United States is in the midst of a sullen, grinding war. According to polls, most Americans think the country is on the wrong track. In just two days, citizens will get to decide what they wish to do about these problems when they take part in democracy's most sacred ritual. But to Outlook and its exclusive club of insider-prognosticators, the elections are also a form of entertainment. Isn't that part of what's wrong with politics?
Hardly. Yes, these are serious times. But there could be no political operative, analyst or journalist with a pulse who is not having a blast during these final hours of anticipation. Politics is not just sport -- but it is partly sport. Handicapping the likely outcome of races is a particular subspecialty of the game.
I write as someone who once played myself (though never as one of Outlook's team of predictors). I used to think I was good at forecasting, and over time was forced by a steady stream of surprises and bad bets to admit that I was not. Now, for the most part, I have dropped out of predicting but follow those who are still willing to put their reputations as sages and seers on the line.
So it's with a mix of admiration and skepticism that I contemplate this year's Tournament of Champions in the 13th biennial Outlook Crystal Ball competition, bringing together winners from as far back as 1982.
The admiration is simple: Running the table with accurate predictions, as you pretty much have to do to win this contest, is impressive.
The skepticism is a little more complicated: This august group of predictors has demonstrated a talent that has no real value. It's not as though they pick stocks. What's more, it's debatable whether they have any more skill than a blindfolded kindergartner who manages to hit the piñata.
To be blunt, the Crystal Ball contest itself may be a bunch of bull.
Start with the sports analogy. A demonstrably good athlete -- say Tiger Woods -- shows his superiority week in, week out, winning tournaments over a number of years. In the 12 contests that Outlook has held since 1982, there has been only one repeat winner. That was Chris Matthews, and his back-to-back victories were in 1988 and 1990. Since then, he has not stopped making predictions, as anyone who watches his show "Hardball" knows, but it's not clear that his are any better than yours or mine.
On the other hand, there's a case to be made that the predictions featured in the Crystal Ball contest are more rigorous than simply a random walk down K Street. For one thing, despite the occasional odd variances, the experts do tend to stick together in their predictions. Nine out of 10 contestants this year project that Republicans will keep control of the Senate. Eight out of 10 say that the GOP will lose control of the House. This consensus suggests that there may be at least some method to the exercise, not just voodoo.
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In Outlook's 13th Biennial Crystal Ball Contest -- a Tournament of Champions -- the likes of Mary Matalin and Paul Kirk gaze into the near-yet-hazy future and place their bets on Tuesday's elections.
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Paper, Plastic Or Republican?
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BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- In the end days of his campaign for governor of Arkansas, Asa Hutchinson, the Republican, is bagging groceries. It is something to see.
The former congressman and George W. Bush appointee does this two or three times a day, speeding from one supermarket to the next in his big red pickup, his young driver hauling down the highways like a NASCAR racer on Mama's diet pills.
To get the voters excited about his promise to end the state sales tax on food (and more to the point, to get them excited about Asa), Hutchinson dons an apron, stands in the checkout line and stuffs sacks. He jokes that "depending on how things go in the election, I might be back."
He is kidding -- sorta. If you believe 18 of the last 20 polls, Hutchinson is running behind his Democratic opponent, veteran state senator and attorney general Mike Beebe, who in two decades in political office in Arkansas has not only never lost a race, he's never faced an opponent .
It was not supposed to be this way. That Hutchinson is fighting for his political life seems a signal of the Bush administration's problems with the electorate.
Hutchinson, 55, possesses a résumé most politicians can only dream about. The man was the youngest U.S. attorney -- ever . He personally put on a flak jacket to end a siege by a crazed coven of white supremacists. He was elected to Congress thrice, before Bush tapped him to head the Drug Enforcement Administration, where he battled the scourge of rural America, methamphetamine. After 9/11, he was unanimously confirmed by the Senate as undersecretary of homeland security, to oversee borders and transportation.
"Yet all the things that two years ago looked like advantages have become liabilities," says political scientist Janine Parry, director of the Arkansas Poll at the University of Arkansas.
Bush's approval rating here is now in the dumpster at 36 percent. "So running as a strong law-and-order executive with border credentials, and having worked for an administration that has tied itself to security? Suddenly, it's not a selling point," Parry says. "If I were him, it would just be making me nuts."
"Careful not to smush them eggs!" This advice is from Mike Huckabee, the current governor, who comes by one of the supermarket appearances in Little Rock for a photo-op with Hutchinson. "You put the bread and the eggs on the bottom? That's a way to lose votes."
Hutchinson says a few words to the half-dozen reporters about the food tax. (He wants to eliminate it immediately; his opponent wants to phase it out.) Afterward, in the mini-scrum, Huckabee is asked . . . about his knee.
The two-term Republican governor and Baptist minister, who is exploring a run for president, is famous for having lost 110 pounds after he was diagnosed with diabetes. He trained for months for yesterday's New York City Marathon. "I've had to have it drained twice," Huckabee says about the knee. "Like changing the oil."
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Get style news headlines from The Washington Post, including entertainment news, comics, horoscopes, crossword, TV, Dear Abby. arts/theater, Sunday Source and weekend section. Washington Post columnists, movie/book reviews, Carolyn Hax, Tom Shales.
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Dispute Over NW Passage Revived
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TORONTO -- A long-standing legal wrangle between the United States and Canada could complicate future shipping through the Arctic as global warming melts the ice in the Northwest Passage.
The United States contends that the Northwest Passage, though owned by Canada, is an international strait with free passage for all, like other straits around the world. U.S. officials say they are following a long-standing position in favor of keeping straits free to all navigation and want unimpeded movement of U.S. ships.
VIDEO | Scientists aboard the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Amundsen discuss the effect that global warming has had on the legendary Northwest Passage.
Canada counters that it has sole jurisdiction over the Northwest Passage and wants to enforce its own laws on ships in the Arctic waters. Canadian officials argue that their authority over the myriad channels and straits that make up the legendary route from the Atlantic to the Pacific is the best way to minimize unsafe ships and accidental spills in the pristine North.
The issue has suddenly come alive because climate change is reducing the Arctic ice pack that prevents regular shipping through the passage.
In an unusual twist last week, the former U.S. ambassador to Canada, Paul Cellucci, was quoted in Canadian newspapers as saying that he agreed with the Canadian position. "It is in the security interests of the United States that it be under the control of Canada," he said at a conference in Ottawa.
Cellucci's comments prompted the current U.S. ambassador, David Wilkins, to restate U.S. insistence that the Northwest Passage is an international strait.
The spat has flared occasionally in the past. Canadians were incensed when Americans drove the reinforced oil tanker Manhattan through the Northwest Passage in 1969, followed by the icebreaker Polar Sea in 1985, both without asking for Canadian permission.
Usually, however, the two countries have ignored their differences, agreeing that icebreakers do not need permission to pass and refusing to acknowledge the regular traffic of undersea nuclear submarines that use the passage.
Michael Byers, an international law expert at the University of British Columbia, said that if foreign ships begin using the route, Canada will lose its claim of oversight.
Canada has no search-and-rescue helicopters regularly based in the north and has disbanded the one military unit capable of dropping onto the ice. The country has no submarine that can travel under the ice cap. Its icebreakers are old and considered mid-weight; they leave the Arctic for the winter. The government has promised to build three new, powerful icebreakers and a deep-water port at Iqaluit, the capital of the Canadian territory of Nunavut, but has failed to fund any of those projects.
"If a foreign vessel wanted to come through here right now, it could," Byers said. "It's a big welcome mat for all the fly-by-night companies."
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TORONTO -- A long-standing legal wrangle between the United States and Canada could complicate future shipping through the Arctic as global warming melts the ice in the Northwest Passage.
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Nice Change in Sequence
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If they had lost, they were finished. They all admitted it in one way or another, and relied on their belief systems more than at any point in the season. There was the players-only meeting last week, where the common thread was to believe in "it," in finding some impossible way over the next few weeks to resurrect the season.
And when yesterday's bizarre and wholly surreal 22-19 victory over the Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field was complete, when the Washington Redskins first mobbed place kicker Nick Novak for making up for missing a critical field goal in the final minute with a 47-yard game-winner with no time remaining, and then safety Troy Vincent for blocking what would have been a season-crushing 35-yard field goal by Dallas place kicker Mike Vanderjagt that gave Novak his second chance, the players say they found something else: an emotional formula, however unlikely, that gives them hope.
"We won the first game of our one-game season. Next week, we have another one-game season," said middle linebacker Lemar Marshall, who made his first super-sized play of the season by dumping Cowboys running back Julius Jones for a first-quarter safety. "If we keep winning these one-game seasons, one play at a time, one quarter at a time, well, we'll see what happens."
The Redskins are 3-5 on a season that for the next eight weeks has no room for error, ending a three-game losing streak without injured wide receiver Santana Moss. Defensive tackle Joe Salave'a described the energy on the field and the sidelines yesterday as a street fight, the kind of game where nothing matters except, he said, "bleeding your way to a win." Outside linebacker Marcus Washington said he and his teammates told each other to reduce the game to one play that would win it for them.
"Let's keep punching each other in the jaw," he said. "And let's make sure they fall first. We wanted it to be the Thrilla in Manila."
On the sidelines, there was Vincent, playing in just his second game with the Redskins, telling his teammates during the moments in the second half when the Cowboys had appeared to take control of the game, "Continue to believe that somehow, we're going to win this game."
They were dead if they lost and at critical times seemed dead during it as the Cowboys seemed poised to strike a mortal wound, but something kept them alive. Much of it was the Cowboys themselves, committing 11 penalties for 153 yards -- the third-highest total in their 46-year history -- with the biggest being the first play of the fourth quarter when Roy Williams was called for interfering with Brandon Lloyd on an Antwaan Randle El option pass down the sideline. It was a 48-yard play that led to a Chris Cooley touchdown that tied the game at 19.
Each penalty breathed life into the Redskins. For weeks, they had not been able to force a turnover, but they made the biggest play of the day on special teams, when Vanderjagt lined up from 35 yards after Novak missed his 49-yard attempt wide right with 35 seconds remaining.
Dallas quarterback Tony Romo took the ball at the Dallas 39, hit 3 of 4 passes, the seeming death blow coming when tight end Jason Witten beat safety Adam Archuleta down the middle of the field for 28 yards to the Redskins 17. In the scrum, Witten crowed to Vincent that the game was over.
But on the kick, Vincent found a seam and broke through uncovered, blocking the ball. Sean Taylor recovered at the 26 and raced 30 yards. Haunted by penalties, Cowboys guard Kyle Kosier was called for a 15-yard face-mask penalty that pushed the ball to the 29, and, this time, Novak nailed his kick.
"If you're going to get dirty, you might as well get rewarded for it," Salave'a said. "You want to talk about momentum, about having it and having it taken away from you and getting it back. You couldn't write an action movie script like this one."
The game swung on a play Vincent made -- and even on a play he did not. On first and 10 from the Dallas 26 and trailing 19-12 in the third quarter, Vincent lined up on the left hash mark, shading toward cornerback Rogers. His positioning signaled to the world that he was standing there only to provide cover to Rogers should Romo attempt a deep pass to wide receiver Terrell Owens.
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Info on Washington Redskins including the 2005 NFL Preview. Get the latest game schedule and statistics for the Redskins. Follow the Washington Redskins under the direction of Coach Joe Gibbs.
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Making Up for Lost Time
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On a sunny Wednesday toward the end of summer, Aldrena Thirkill, a compact woman with a quiet but friendly air, was sitting in a booth at the Shoney's on the main road running into Farmville, Va., eating lunch with her sister and her granddaughter when all at once the past materialized beside her, holding a plate of food. It took the form of a girl -- well, a grown woman now -- Aldrena had known long ago, who, spotting Aldrena from the buffet table, had come over to say hello. The two had grown up in the countryside around Prospect, a community about 10 miles outside of town, on the other side of Farmville from where they were sitting now.
Saying an amiable hello in return, Aldrena remembered only that the woman's last name had been Mitchell, and that she and Aldrena had gone to school together in the 1950s. They had attended classes at First Rock Elementary, a small, segregated school for black children built in a clearing along the road that runs between Prospect and Farmville, both of which are in Prince Edward County, in the agricultural, south-central region of Virginia known as Southside. At that time, the First Rock building, which still exists -- it's a diner now-- had no plumbing and no electricity, and it was heated by a wood stove so inadequate that students sitting in back rows had to wear coats in winter.
Aldrena and the Mitchell girl had been a grade apart until suddenly they weren't a grade apart anymore, because suddenly they weren't in school at all anymore. The public schools in Prince Edward closed in the fall of 1959, in an extreme act of defiance to the U.S. Supreme Court order, in Brown v. Board of Education, to integrate. A private school for white children was hastily built, but black children were shut out for a period that stretched for five full years. Aldrena -- living on a farm with no television or telephone, raised by a mother who had no car and who had to catch a ride into town to do domestic work -- had lost touch with the Mitchell girl. Lost touch with, really, everybody outside her family. The world as she knew it had simply, one day, vanished.
And now this grown-up, onetime neighbor, standing at the table beside her, told Aldrena what had become of her after schools in Prince Edward were shuttered. She had moved North to attend school there, part of a quiet but steady diaspora of children who left the county to seek education elsewhere. She returned when the schools finally did reopen, but later moved back North. Like Aldrena, who lives in Dale City, she was only in Farmville for a visit. Then the former Mitchell girl went to eat before her food got cold, and Aldrena turned to Mykhayla, her granddaughter, who that day was 10, going on 11, almost exactly the age Aldrena had been when her life was irrevocably changed. Mykhayla is a beautiful girl, tall and slender, with tawny eyes that glow with sunlight and intelligence; she attends a magnet school for academically motivated children in Dale City; she loves history; she loves visiting Farmville and especially the old family property in Prospect; and she is acutely interested in what went on in her grandmother's life 47 years ago, during the upheaval of the civil rights movement.
"So you see," Aldrena said to Mykhayla -- the encounter made vivid a point she had been trying to explain -- "we didn't know what happened to anybody."
MORE THAN THAT: Aldrena Thirkill doesn't know what happened to her. As an adult, she can remember surprisingly little of her life between 1959 -- when the schools closed, with bitter fanfare and flamboyantly racist rhetoric -- and 1964, when the county was grudgingly compelled to reopen public schools on an integrated basis. Five years of her life: lost. And so, Aldrena has begun to try to reconstruct what happened -- to her personality, her education, her family -- during this traumatic period of her early youth. She has done so not just by talking to Mykhayla, but also by writing, over and over, in academic paper after academic paper, what she can remember, hoping that with each new writing exercise, some forgotten fragment -- a scene, a person, a conversation -- will be unearthed. At 58, when many retired adults are taking up golf or gardening, she is taking English composition classes at Marymount University in Arlington, sitting beside classmates so young that segregation, to them, might as well be the Revolutionary War.
She is by no means alone in her effort. In the fall of 2005, Virginia began issuing academic scholarships to repair even a small portion of the harm done to at least 2,000 African American schoolchildren who suffered a particularly acute form of deprivation during the hard-fought transition to integrated schooling. The fund, known as the Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Program, is an attempt to atone for the damage that Prince Edward -- with profound complicity from the state itself -- inflicted upon its most vulnerable citizens. The program pays the costs of a GED program or high school diploma for those who found jobs during the closings and may never have returned to school at all; it also pays for community college or an undergraduate or master's degree, up to $7,200 a year.
"It's difficult to start your life over when you are 58 years old, but we are never too old to learn and be filled with knowledge and wonder," says Ken Woodley, 49, editor of the Farmville Herald and the chief architect of the plan. "There are people who see it as an opportunity to get a better job or go into business for themselves. I really believe that if someone discovers one author, one painter, their lives are enriched, and they are able to experience more of what life has to offer."
Or at least some of them can: Woodley's vision has been whittled down by a more bottom-line-minded General Assembly, which awarded $1 million to create a scholarship pool, a sum that was matched by the philanthropist John Kluge. During negotiations, lawmakers decided that, in fact, pure-life betterment was not a legitimate use of taxpayer money; to qualify for a Brown scholarship, students must be enrolled in a degree program or a course that will directly affect their job prospects. Moreover, the legislature decided that the scholarships will be awarded only to people who are living in Virginia and attending Virginia schools; the state did not want to be paying Virginia money to schools in, say, New Jersey. The significant portion of people who permanently left the county do not qualify. Even so, when the plan was being debated, Woodley recalls, skeptics predicted hardly anybody would come forward. Instead, more than 200 people have inquired. Of these, about 60 have applied, qualified and enrolled in courses. They are adults well past middle life, anxious to pursue the opportunities denied them a half-century earlier, a lack that for many has been a terrible shame all of their lives, though they are the last people who have anything to be ashamed of.
"I didn't want anybody to know that I didn't go to school during that time; I was ashamed to talk about it," says Aldrena, who is making a forcible effort to talk about it now. For her, the scholarship program is an opportunity to regain her voice, literally, and thereby undo some of what segregation did to her. Looking back, she feels that one of the chief effects segregation had on her, psychologically, was to instill in her a feeling that the best response to almost any situation is no response at all. She can pinpoint when her silence started: It was in the spring of 1959, when her teacher first warned her and her classmates, sitting in that chilly building, that schools might be closed in the fall. She went home hoping her mother might explain, but her mother -- like many adults at the time -- predicted that the schools would surely stay open. It was widely thought that the leaders of Prince Edward would not go that far. Then, when the leaders did go that far, Aldrena remembers her mother, now deceased, being unwilling to share the full reason for the closing.
"We were kind of hoping she would be able to explain," Aldrena remembers. But her mother didn't. "I think I know why now," she says. "That was her form of employment. She worked for them. She wouldn't say anything negative.
"That was how adults dealt with things back then; they didn't talk about it," says Aldrena, who feels she internalized the same lesson, but hopes the scholarship can help her change this aspect of her character. "I have come to a place in my life where my voice is no longer silent," she wrote last year, in a course called Fundamentals of Writing. "The teacher who announced that the schools would be closed in September of 1959 was the vehicle that activated my years of silence. The instructor provided no explanation for the school closing, and I did not understand why this was happening. Furthermore, the lack of information I received from my Mother caused even more turmoil and a sense of low self-worth."
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The battle over desegregation in Virginia robbed this man of a childhood education. Can a scholarship program make it up to him?
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Dr. Gridlock
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He was online Monday, Nov. 6, at 1 p.m. ET to address all your traffic and transit issues.
The Dr. Gridlock column receives hundreds of letters each month from motorists and transit riders throughout the Washington region. They ask questions and make complaints about getting around a region plagued with some of the worst traffic in the nation. The doctor diagnoses problems and tries to bring relief.
Dr. Gridlock appears in The Post's Metro section on Sunday and in the Extra section on Thursday. His comments also appear on the Web site's Get There blog. You can send e-mails for the newspaper column to drgridlock@washpost.com or write to Dr. Gridlock at 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.
In earlier chats, some of you were asking about the traffic control officers that you had started to see working some downtown intersections. I apologize for taking so long to get back to you:
Those are traffic officers from the District's Department of Public Works, the same officers who work the morning and afternoon rush hours. At the point where their shifts overlap, they now work 16 downtown intersections at midday. Lots of whistle blowing.
Let's get to your questions and comments.
Arlington, Va.: Dear Dr. Gridlock,
Today, during my morning commute, I was cut off by a taxi cab, forced to slam on my brakes, nearly in a serious accident, and then the offender flipped me the bird. I took down all of the taxi cab identification and went to the D.C. Cab Commission Web site to lodge a complaint, only to find one link on the Web site which was about taxi cab rates. I am incensed that there is no place to give feedback on cab drivers. Do you know of a way to lodge a complaint? I went to the police department Web site and had no luck there either.
Dr. Gridlock: These are the rules for filing a complaint with the D.C. Taxicab Commission:
It must be in writing.
You can take your complaint letter to the Taxicab Commission at 2041 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Room 204.
Or you can fax it to (202) 889-3604.
Or you can e-mail it to dctc@dc.gov.
You should get an acknowledgement letter from the commission. The cab operator also gets notified and is asked to report to the commission.
Greenbelt Gal: So, when are Yellow Line trains supposed to be extended from Mount Vernon Square to Fort Totten? Or does this already happen during the hours when I am not riding the trains? Thanks for answering.
Dr. Gridlock: Not quite yet.
Starting in January, Metro will extend the Yellow Line service up to Fort Totten. This is an experiment in better serving the neighborhoods in that part of the District. It is scheduled to last for 18 months, during which Metro will evaluate the impact.
Arlington, Va.: Most of those traffic-control persons don't have a clue as to what they are doing. I've observed them at Connecticut and K for weeks. What do they get paid, anyway?
Dr. Gridlock: They get paid $33,000 a year to put their bodies between us and oncoming cars and trucks.
I understand why pedestrians and motorists are vexed by the traffic officers. We're not used to seeing them at all these downtown intersections at midday. Many of those intersections are confusing enough. Any part of K Street is confusing. We're used to obeying electronic signals and don't instantly adjust to whistles and hand signals.
But I hope that over time, this system works. Pedestrians in particular need all the help they can get crossing those streets.
Bethesda, Md.: Are bicyclists required to maintain a minimum speed when they are on area roads? Thanks.
Dr. Gridlock: Bicyclists are supposed to obey the traffic laws, but I'm not aware of any minimum speed law. I get the feeling you must have encountered at least one biker dead ahead when you wanted to get someplace quickly.
I can tell from the letters I get that this is one of the top sources of tension among drivers, and among bikers. Their feeling is that they've got as much right to the road as you do.
G'burg, Md.: A REQUEST FOR METRO POLICE:
I have a reserved sticker and park in the reserved section of the Shady Grove garage each day. The number of people without stickers who park there seems to be getting out of hand, and sometimes makes it very difficult for me to park if I don't get there until fairly close to 10 (when the reserved status ends).
One day last week I parked at 9:20 a.m., and counted 24 (twenty-four!) cars without stickers while walking from my car to the stairs. Is there any way to ask Metro police to tighten up enforcement of reserved parking? Those of us who pay for our stickers every month would greatly appreciate it.
Dr. Gridlock: I know those reserved spaces are a source of frustration to many of you. Mostly, I hear from folks who think there are too many of them. They enter a crowded garage before 10 a.m. and tell me that the reserved spaces are the only ones left. They think they're going completely unused, so they say Metro should reduce the number of them, to make more unreserved spaces.
Fairfax, Va.: Are there any plans to pave the stretch of I-66 from the Beltway to the Route 50 exit any time soon? Those 7 miles are some of the worst on any interstate in the metro area for congestion and potholes.
Dr. Gridlock: That's a real bad stretch. And I agree with you that it's about as bad a stretch of pavement as there is in the region. But I'm not aware of any repaving coming up anytime soon. The big news on I-66 is farther out. The widening project between Sudley Road and Route 234 bypass is wrapping up and those new lanes will be open to traffic. Then early next year, the next phase of widening to Gainesville begins.
But again, I'm not aware of any relief coming closer in.
Silver Spring, Md.: Despite the many many government employees who all get Election Day off, are all the transit systems still planning on running normal schedules for the rest of us in the private sector? (As rare as we are in Washington!) No bizarre holiday schedules for Metro or MARC or anyone?
Dr. Gridlock: I haven't noticed any of our transit agencies cutting back service for Election Day, but remember that this Friday is the federal observance of Veterans Day. Some transit agencies will cut back on service on Friday, but Metro will run a regular weekday schedule
Herndon, Va.: Any idea what the real HOV enforcement hours are on the Dulles Toll Road? It seems that anytime after 5:30 p.m., west-bound traffic in the HOV lanes is at least 2/3 violators...and I never see any police efforts to enforce. The posted hours are up to 6:30 p.m., but now that it's getting darker earlier it's even tougher to catch these folks.
I know the way it's supposed to work, but then, so do you:
The far left lane between Route 28 and the main toll plaza is for carpoolers of two or more, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. eastbound and 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. westbound.
Enforcement of the HOV rules is a constant problem across the region, not just on the Toll Road. I got some letters recently from motorists who travel Route 50 in Maryland and notice that the supposedly 24-hour HOV lane is quite popular with solo drivers.
I don't know a good solution for this, other than walling off all HOV lanes so violating the rules becomes more difficult.
Washington, D.C.: What was up with the closing of the 395 tunnel this weekend? Was it a big secret because there weren't any signs up (or postings on washingtonpost.com traffic ) until about halfway through the day...There are a bunch of different ways to get around this but only if you know about it. Once you got past Maine Ave., you were stuck going to a jammed up S. Capitol St. or 6th St. SE. What was the deal???
Dr. Gridlock: I should have put this in our Get There blog on Friday. The reason the tunnel was blocked off this weekend was that the District Department of Transportation was trying to improve the road surface to reduce skidding in wet weather.
The plan was to remove the cobblestone surface along about 460 feet of roadway in the tunnel and replace it with asphalt paving that would limit skidding.
Anonymous: "They enter a crowded garage before 10 a.m. and tell me that the reserved spaces are the only ones left."
But...that's the -point- of the reserved spaces! They're for people who can't necessarily arrive early enough to get a regular spot, so they buy the right to park in the reserved spaces after the regular spots fill up. I mean, duh.
Dr. Gridlock: Most of the writers don't have any problem with the concept of the reserved spaces. They say there are too many of them at some garages. So many, they say, that a good number never get used. They want Metro to cut back the number of reserved spaces so that it more closely matches the demand at their lot or garage.
Waiting to get on the Metro: I've had to wait for multiple trains to go by before I can get on one at the Woodley Park Metro station. Is something going on? Are there more commuters or fewer trains? Today I literally had to wait for two trains to pass to board and this happened last week as well. I'm not being ridiculous. I don't expect a seat or anything. When I mean I have to wait I mean that I can't squeeze onto the first few trains that go by. What's the deal?
Dr. Gridlock: I was just checking with Steven Taubenkibel at Metro. Neither of us knows of any unusual situation on the Red Line lately. Not sure if you're riding at peak or off-peak.
We are getting additional cars on the Red Line as part of the shipment of 50 new 6000 Series cars that will be spread out through the system. (I think it's 12 to the Red Line, if I remember right.)
The Red Line is the most heavily used, and it can be vexing to wait at some of those inner stations, like Woodley Park. Sometimes, it helps to move along the platform. Cars in some sections of trains can be consistently packed, while others can be relatively uncrowded.
I hope you have had a good weekend. I may be moving to Baltimore soon because of a much LOWER cost of living. However, I am keeping my job here in the District. I hear that MARC is horrific, and traffic is of course, traffic. Any plans to improve MARC rail service? I am under the opinion that as MARC gets better, more people will move north to Baltimore because the costs of living is so much cheaper.
Dr. Gridlock: Most of the problems I hear about on MARC occur on the Brunswick Line, which brings people into Washington from the west. You'd be on the Camden or the Penn. I'm not saying that makes it a picnic, but it almost certainly beats driving.
Our suburban rail systems, MARC and Virginia Railway Express, both need a lot of improvement. This region is going to grow tremendously. It's the one thing we can count on. We need a fully developed transportation system to match that growth.
Washington, D.C.: I'm hoping you'll put this out there as a public service announcement. Bicyclists are supposed to follow ALL traffic signals, just like a car. This includes stop signs. There was a bike commuter who blew through a stop sign (at a pedestrian crosswalk) this morning and nearly ran a woman down!
Dr. Gridlock: The writer refers to that previous exchange we had about bikers and drivers.
Washington, D.C.: I cannot tell you how many times I have hailed a taxi in front of my office, with taxi drivers insisting that I tell them where I am going before they will tell me that they are available.
Knowing that the "cherry picking" occurs, sometimes I will get in the cab and then tell them. Twice I had taxi drivers insist that I leave the cab because they have a scheduled call on the other side of town (which I am certain is a lie).
How should I handle this in the future? I have refused to leave once (when I wasn't in a rush to get somewhere) but then the taxi driver refused to move from where he was parked. Eventually I left the cab frustrated.
I just don't understand why the taxi drivers hate going to the 700 block of G street NE when it is so close to Union. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Dr. Gridlock: If the cab driver refuses to take you somewhere and you're inside the cab, stay there long enough to take down the information on his license and report the driver to the Taxicab Commission at the address in the response above.
College Park, Md.: Every time the Green Line leaves Fort Totten going to Greenbelt the train slows down for about two minutes and sometimes just stops in the tunnel. It seems to happen at the same place no matter what time of day I'm on the train. Any reason you know for this and if it's a track issue, is Metro looking to fix it soon? Thanks for the chats!
Dr. Gridlock: I'm not sure what that's about. Sounds like the typical response to track work, but I'll check with Metro.
Arlington, Va.: Dear Dr. Gridlock,
I live near the new Air Force Memorial on Columbia Pike. There is no stop sign or traffic signal. Cars don't always notice pedestrians and pedestrians seem to pay no attention to the fact they are crossing a busy street and just wander across without looking. It is very dangerous and a tragedy waiting to happen. Is Virginia planning on installing more signage or a signal? If not, please ask them to reconsider! Thanks.
Dr. Gridlock: This is an excellent question about that very busy stretch of road. I'll check and report what I learn, either in the Get There blog or in an upcoming Dr. Gridlock column.
Front Royal, Va.: When are they going to open the new lanes on I-66? Everyday I drive past beautiful yet unused lanes!
Dr. Gridlock: You should be driving on those new lanes on Wednesday morning, if VDOT stays on schedule.
Can we get a public service announcement out to Metro riders to share the poles? They are not personal back supports or surrogate hug objects. Step away from the pole and allow others to get a hand on. Thank you.
Dr. Gridlock: That's one of two common complaints about how we share space in the rail cars. The other is about people not giving up the bench seats set aside for disabled people in the middle of the cars.
By the way, those three poles at the front and back of the cars are the ones that disappear in the new 6000 Series rail cars we're starting to see in service.
Burke, Va.: Could you please explain why the I-395/I-95 HOV lanes default to the northbound direction?
Southbound I-95 yesterday afternoon was ridiculous, and could have been helped if the HOV lanes were switched south. What's the thought process on when the lanes switch? Shouldn't more lanes be opened more often to get people out of the city than into it?
Dr. Gridlock: I heard the traffic reports yesterday afternoon about the traffic congestion heading south, while the HOV lanes remained open northbound.
My guess is that VDOT goes with some historic traffic pattern it's used to seeing on weekends and can't adjust that easily to current conditions. But I'm not sure, so I'll check.
RE: Marc Service From Baltimore: I took the MARC Penn Line from Penn Station Baltimore for a year while living in Baltimore, and now I am taking the Orange line Metro from Dunn Loring. I've found that the MARC is as a whole, on time more often then the Metro is, the only trick is the fact that when the MARC is noticeably late, it can be very, very late (45 minutes or more). Beyond that, I find it to be more consistent then the Metro on a scheduling basis.
Also, when taking the Penn line, often times if there is a significant delay in the morning, they are more than willing to shove people onto an Amtrak train to get them to work as soon as possible. The only problem I really had with the MARC as a whole was the number of trains running, not the service.
Dr. Gridlock: The service this summer -- lack of service -- really drew a lot of letters. Summer is always bad because of the heat restrictions and the strain on equipment. But it's not like things are perfect now. Also, when the heat goes away, the new weather problem is leaves falling on the tracks. If the trains skid, the wheels can develop flat spots that require they be taken out of service for repairs.
MARC needs more and better equipment to work with.
Washington, D.C.: Sadly, I will be part of the big I-95 North bound crunch on Thanksgiving Day. If I leave very early in the morning, I'm talking in the 6 a.m. range, do you think I can make the trip to Philadelphia relatively smoothly with little traffic? When does I-95 begin to get bad? Or would it be better to leave late at night on Wednesday?
Dr. Gridlock: I think leaving at 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day is a good plan. Watch out for the trip back, though, if you plan to travel on Sunday. That's some of the worst traffic I've ever been in on I-95. Having E-ZPass for the tolls doesn't make any difference if you're stuck in long backups before the toll plazas.
I plan to do an upcoming column taking advantage of all the good holiday travel advice I've gotten from readers.
Washington, D.C.: Do you have any insight into the lines painted (or not painted, as the case may be) on 23rd St. between about F St and Washington Circle? When they repaved it, they changed the lanes so that instead of two for traffic and one for parking, there's one really large lane for traffic one one for parking. But the lanes are well defined, so people alternately use two lanes, or take up the whole large lane. Not only is it potentially accident-causing, it backs up traffic.
It's not clear what to do, and I keep hoping they'll repaint them correctly. Thoughts?
Dr. Gridlock: Haven't seen that particular stretch lately. I'll go look and check with DDOT.
Dumfries, Va.: Does anyone know where are all the people are going on the weekends on I-95 South of the Beltway, especially in the Summer? It seems like it's a parking lot from Thursday night until Monday morning -- we can't go anywhere!
Dr. Gridlock: Thought that was a combination of Washingtonians going to and from the Outer Banks and real long distance travelers on the East Coast's main artery. I've never had a good experience on that stretch of highway. Never escape a jam-up there.
Fairfax, Va.: I occasionally use the reserved spaces (after 10 am when they free up of course). The people w/o stickers who park there before 10 am are gamblers. The couple of times I've tried it, I got a parking ticket (which was fair). I think what's frustrating is that there's clearly demand for the spaces at the normal price not the pricier reserved price, and definitely some of the spaces go unused during the day (at least at Dunn Loring where I park), so that's what drives people to take the chance and park there before 10.
Dr. Gridlock: Metro runs the region's largest parking operation, but many travelers still complain that it's not enough. Some stations fill consistently, and readers tell me they have to get there at ridiculously early hours. Others don't fill.
For some people, it might work to choose a different station on the line, but I know that's not a solution for many. We need more parking.
Arlington, Va.: When did they start allowing trucks on Route 110? All of a sudden, that road is clogged with construction dump trucks and cargo trucks. How can we get them to reverse this decision? It stinks.
Dr. Gridlock: Ryan Hall at VDOT said he would check this for us, but he wasn't aware of any change in the rules for Route 110.
Arlington, Va.: I'm hoping you can shed some light on some recent (seemingly unexplainable) traffic. I have been driving home in the evening on the outer loop of the beltway from Old Georgetown Road to the Tyson's area off and on for two years now and just within the last two months it has become close to unbearable. At least two-three nights a week I come to a dead stop and am not able to drive faster than 5 mph for miles.
While it used to be bad two years ago, this trip had not been a problem since the additional exit lane was added to reach the Dulles Toll Road. What gives? Is the Springfield interchange construction backing things up this far? Additional Tyson's traffic? I'm considering changing jobs (again) purely because of this!
Dr. Gridlock: I've seen the congestion there, but didn't realize it was a recent thing. I remember thinking, Well, that's a logical place for a backup, with everyone trying to get to Tysons or to one of the several major highways leading west. Adding the extra exit lane for the Dulles Toll Road was a widely praised improvement.
I'll explore what's been going on there lately.
Driving over the east-bound lanes of the Roosevelt Bridge yesterday was like driving on a wash board. I think they're wrapping up on that side of the bridge since they've started putting down the final lane markers. Do you know if there are plans to do anything to smooth the surface?
Dr. Gridlock: Last time I checked, the work was scheduled to be done in December. I'll seek an update.
Dr. Gridlock: Got this via e-mail from a reader in Silver Spring:
"On the DCDOT Traffic Control Officers. I've been watching crossing guards and people directing traffic since elementary school - a while ago and note some differences.
"The TCOs in Downtown intersections typically supplement the automatic traffic signals (keep the "Boxes" clear and reduce the hazard to the pedestrians, as opposed to control the flow and direction like a grossing guard or police officer directing traffic at and uncontrolled intersection, or overriding the signals during/around a special event - a football game for example.
"I for one think they are improving the flow of traffic and keeping pedestrians safer on Downtown streets."
That was my observation also. I'd better sign off for now. There are still some questions left, like about how Next Bus works, and I'll try to answer them on the Get There blog or in the Dr. Gridlock column. Thanks for joining me today.
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Madonna: Media Fanned Adoption Dispute
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NEW YORK -- Madonna says the news media fanned the controversy over her attempts to adopt a 13-month-old boy from the southeast African country of Malawi, and that the average person doesn't care about it.
"But when you throw in things like I'm a celebrity and I somehow got special treatment, or make the implication of kidnapping, it gets mixed into a stew, and it sells lots of papers," the singer told Time magazine in an interview for editions on newsstands Monday.
"What they should care about is that there are over a million orphans in Malawi," she said.
Madonna added that there was an element of nationalism and racism in the news media.
"There's a lot of Brits _ reporters on the street _ who've said 'Why don't you adopt a kid from Britain?' Or 'Why did you adopt a black child?'" Madonna said.
She said she has not worked harder for anything in her life than in trying to adopt the boy, David Banda. She and her husband, filmmaker Guy Ritchie, were granted an interim adoption order by Malawi's High Court last month.
The boy has joined her two children _ daughter Lourdes, 9, and son Rocco, 6 _ in England.
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NEW YORK -- Madonna says the news media fanned the controversy over her attempts to adopt a 13-month-old boy from the southeast African country of Malawi, and that the average person doesn't care about it.
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A 'Madama Butterfly' With Pipes, if Not Legs
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When Mariusz Trelinski's production of "Madama Butterfly" first appeared at the Washington National Opera five years ago, you had to give the company an A for effort. Puccini's melodrama is one of the most beloved human-sacrifice dramas in the canon, so beloved that theater directors tamper with it at their extreme peril. Trelinski tampered aplenty, breaking down Puccini's sad, simple scenes into visual fragments, and reassembling them to mimic the cinematic cuts and close-ups of the movie camera.
But it was a deeply flawed production, and no better when it reopened on Saturday evening at the Kennedy Center Opera House. Trelinski gets about 20 percent of the emotional impact of the piece. But his production misfires most of the time, vitiating the impact of Puccini's music with distracting scene changes, badly timed entrances and a flat, two-dimensional look that isolates characters not only from each other, but from the drama itself. If Trelinski never gets his hands on another curtain rod -- he loves sliding scrims -- the opera world and "Madama Butterfly" will be better for it.
Flawed productions, however, often underscore the fundamental weirdness of opera. Despite all the annoyances, this "Madama Butterfly" is worth the effort. Its lead tenor, Arturo Chacón-Cruz, is a star worth watching, a singer with a light, firmly supported lyrical voice, a lovely legato and the ability to sound effortless. And soprano Xiu Wei Sun, in the title role, has a delicate sound that proves adequate for all but the most insistent passages. And while sometimes swallowed up by the orchestra, the light clarity of her voice, and its persistent but mostly controlled vibrato, were more than adequate to suggest the youth and sweet determination of the love-struck young geisha. Even though they exuded no real sexual passion, musically, the two stars made this a rewarding evening.
So the staging stinks but the singers soar. And the audience, on Saturday, rewarded the company with a standing ovation. Only to an outsider will this seem odd. Inside the opera house, if the music is familiar, the opera canonical, and the lead singers able to manage the loud bits without cracks or croaks or screeches, the whole evening is deemed a success. Opera is supposedly a venerable and respectable branch of the larger and serious dramatic arts; but it is, in practice, a queer art form in which anything, if wrapped in delectable music, is palatable.
For instance, pedophilia (Butterfly is 15 when she takes up with her American lover) and racism (the garden variety reduction of Asians to sex objects). Behave this way today, and you'll end up on NBC's "To Catch a Predator."
When the supertitles machine -- the projector that puts English translations on a screen above the stage -- misfired and projected the brand name "Sanyo," you had to admire the rate at which a changing world has outpaced the drama Puccini set to music in the early 1900s. Japanese companies now encircle the globe, just as the libretto says Americans once did ("Everywhere in the world the roving Yankee takes his pleasure and his profit," begins the signature tenor aria, sung boldly but lightly by Chacón-Cruz).
And yet here we have a drama frozen in a bygone era of American confidence and condescension -- a sailor buys a Japanese bride, dumps her, then comes back to "adopt" their love child, which drives the girl to suicide. An arts patron of the 21st century might ask incredulously: "They're singing about sexpats and Asian not-even-barely-legals?" Even the director, in the program notes, seems a little dumbfounded: "Opera has experienced a mystifying renaissance lately," writes Trelinski.
It's not so mystifying if one assumes that the whole renaissance is about the pleasure principle trumping reality-based ethical issues. And one might also argue that Trelinski's production is meant to underscore that odd fact, even heighten it, with classic theatrical alienation techniques. Which might explain why he slides a curtain, slowly, with fits and starts, all the way across the stage as Butterfly sings the signature soprano aria, "Un bel di." It's as if the director's saying, "You'd have to be a dope to enjoy this lacerating spectacle of self-delusion."
But no, Trelinski isn't Bertolt Brecht or Antonin Artaud. He's a film director trying to emphasize the girl's pain, but with techniques that, in fact, distract from it (all the more so because the Kennedy Center backstage folks can't seem to slide anything with an even, steady pull). And when Trelinski finally nails the real power of a scene, as he does when Pinkerton's ship is finally spotted returning to Japan and Butterfly gets a brief window of happiness, you realize his basic approach (mostly failed) is to find beauty in the piece, not underscore its ugliness.
Still, by universal consent, the opera world has decided that four minutes of Pinkerton's Yankee aria and four minutes of Butterfly's "Un bel di" is not a bad bargain for the money and the investment of a night at the theater. And these eight minutes are, in fact, very well done. And a few other minutes, too. The gorgeous choral singing that transitions from Act 2 to Act 3 was a pleasure. And Butterfly's maid, Suzuki, was sung with real gravitas and passion by mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Batton. High marks also for baritone Obed Ureña, a singer in a very small part, Yamadori, who made one perk up the ears when most Yamadoris are just a time-killing nuisance.
The company's general director, Placido Domingo, in the orchestra pit, led a brisk and effective orchestral accompaniment. He put some syrup in the upper strings, eliciting a sweetly dated, movie-house sound, ideal for the opera. One always wishes for more rhythmic definition from his conducting, for more urgency of pulse underneath the music, rather than just speed or fleetness. But Domingo grows as a conductor, and this is one of his best efforts to date.
Madama Butterfly will be repeated on Nov. 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17 and 19. For cast changes or tickets, call 202-295-2400 or go to http://www.dc-opera.org/ .
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Looking Beyond the War Zones
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Jet-lagged from a 10-day trip touring operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Herbert J. Lanese was restless early one recent morning and decided to head over to his office at DynCorp International LLC in Fairfax.
It was only 3:30 a.m., but the talkative, kinetic executive said he had lots on his mind, but mainly: What next for his company?
When Lanese took the helm of the government contractor in July, it had been a public enterprise for less than two months. Much has happened since. DynCorp finished moving its headquarters from Texas to Northern Virginia. It retreated from some of its business opportunities, lowering revenue projections. And it began a company-wide streamlining.
"What DynCorp is like long term is something we're in the process of figuring out right now," Lanese said.
DynCorp, which has 14,200 employees around the world, is among a growing number of defense firms that don't make weapons or even write software, but rather provide expertise to the military and to take over jobs once reserved for soldiers.
Its roots date to a 1940s aircraft maintenance company, but DynCorp has collected a hodgepodge of contracts since then, such as maintaining aircraft at Andrews Air Force Base (including those used by the first lady and Cabinet secretaries), training police forces, and protecting U.S. and foreign officials around the world. (It has provided personal security to Afghan President Hamid Karzai.) It is training people to remove land mines in Cambodia, and it is in charge of an effort to revamp Liberia's military.
DynCorp is one of several companies bidding on a multibillion-dollar Army contract to provide logistical support, such as constructing bases, cooking meals and sorting mail.
The company is one of the largest government contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan, with 1,500 employees in each country. Its largest contract is for training the Iraqi police force, bringing in $600 million in revenue in the past fiscal year, and putting it at the center of the Bush administration's plans for rebuilding the country.
"Do you remember that show 'MASH'? In today's military most of the characters in that show would be contractors like DynCorp," said Erik R. Olbeter, an industry analyst for Stanford Group Co. "And in our view, long term, that is a good place to be."
That kind of work should help DynCorp boost revenue 40 percent this year to $2.1 billion, from $1.4 billion in 2004, Lanese said. Yet, DynCorp's stock price has lagged behind those of its defense industry peers as investors wonder what more it has to offer. "The challenge is to diversify their base," Olbeter said.
DynCorp's transformation into a public company began in 2002 when the firm, then employee-owned and based in Reston, was sold to Computer Sciences Corp. California-based Computer Sciences quickly sold part of DynCorp's operations to New York-based Veritas Capital. Veritas took the company public this year but retained majority ownership.
The task of transition to an independent public firm has been substantial, requiring the firm to develop a corporate structure, its own legal and human resources departments, and internal auditing capabilities, Lanese said.
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Jet-lagged from a 10-day trip touring operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Herbert J. Lanese was restless early one recent morning and decided to head over to his office at DynCorp International LLC in Fairfax.
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This Guard Needs No Magic
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DeShawn Stevenson had to catch himself. The Wizards guard was discussing his former team, the Orlando Magic, and he easily fell into an old habit of referring to the Magic as "we."
"The way we played, I mean, the way they played at the end of last season when they won eight straight, you saw some good things," said Stevenson, who played with the Magic for 2 1/2 seasons. "You've got a healthy Grant Hill. Dwight Howard is only getting better. Jameer Nelson is emerging as a scorer. Right now, you'd have to say they have a chance to contend."
Stevenson and the Wizards will get a look at the Magic tonight in Orlando when the teams meet for the first of four times this season.
Stevenson still owns a home in Orlando and has nice memories of his time with the Magic. After entering the league in 2000 directly from Washington Union High School in Fresno, Calif., and spending his first 3 1/2 seasons adjusting to the NBA game with the Utah Jazz, Stevenson established himself with the Magic.
Stevenson played 163 games for the franchise and last season he started all 82 games while averaging 11.0 points and shooting a career-high 46 percent. This summer Stevenson opted out of a contract that would have paid him $3 million this season and he turned down a three-year, $10 million offer from the Magic believing he could attract more in free agency.
While Orlando turned its attention to other guards by drafting J.J. Redick and signing Keith Bogans, Stevenson was forced to watch as the free agent market dried up. When the New York Knicks signed Jared Jeffries to a five-year, $30 million offer sheet, the Wizards declined to match and were thrilled to land a replacement in Stevenson, who signed a deal that pays him $932,015 this season and includes a player option for 2007-08.
The financial hit was painful, but Stevenson is quick to point out that he's only 25 years old and he says he's happy to be in Washington where he has smoothly adjusted to Coach Eddie Jordan's system and fits right in with his new teammates.
"It seems like he's been here two years," guard Gilbert Arenas said.
"I'm just happy to be in this situation because it's not a burden for me to go out there and have to do one thing and do one thing successfully, and that's play defense," Stevenson said. "I don't have to go out there and score double digits like I did in Orlando. We have three top scorers, so the only thing I have to do is go out there and play my role and be effective that way. That takes a lot of weight off my shoulders."
Stevenson will have extra motivation for tonight's game but Jordan doesn't expect to see him do anything out of character.
"It's always big when you go back to see your old team, so hopefully he settles down a little bit after that initial feeling," Jordan said. "First of all, he's a defensive player first so it's not like he's going to go down there focused on trying to score. He's just going to do what he does; he plays that hustle game and he defends."
Stevenson's former team could provide an interesting test for the Wizards, who are 1-1 after Saturday night's 124-117 win over the Boston Celtics. Orlando, which is 1-2 following yesterday's 95-82 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, opened the season in impressive fashion with a 109-94 home win over the Chicago Bulls.
Howard is an emerging star, Nelson has taken over the playmaking role once filled by Steve Francis, and Hill appears to be healthy after being hounded by injury for the last six seasons. Orlando also has solid role players in Hedo Turkoglu, Tony Battie and Darko Milicic.
The Magic showed major improvement by winning 12 of its final 15 games last season. Orlando also has won eight of its last nine home games against the Wizards.
"They were a force at the end of last season, they want to prove that it was no fluke and they have the personnel to do it," Jordan said. "They decided go with Jameer and not Stevie, the big kid [Howard] has gotten so much better, they've got two bigs to start the game, they have scorers, Grant Hill is back. So, they are a legitimate playoff contender."
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DeShawn Stevenson spent 2 1/2 seasons with the Magic and still has a home in Orlando and good memories of the team the Wizards will face Monday.
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Prospect Tries to Make Most Of 3rd Try
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PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 5 -- Washington Capitals prospect Tomas Fleischmann was confused and disappointed as he drove back to Hershey, Pa., following his second demotion in about a week early last month.
But he didn't sulk when he arrived. Instead, the 22-year-old left wing scored eight goals in the Hershey Bears' first seven games, and as a result, earned another chance.
"I played in Hershey the only way I know how," said Fleischmann, who met the Capitals in Philadelphia for Saturday's game against the Flyers. "I knew I had to play like that to come back here, which is what I [wanted] to do."
Though limited to only 7 minutes 39 seconds of ice time, Fleischmann, whom management hopes will develop into a 20-to-30 goal scorer in the NHL, recorded two shots on goal and an assist in the 5-3 victory at Wachovia Center, where the Capitals (5-4-4) snapped an 0-15-1 drought on Broad Street.
"I like the addition of Fleischmann," Capitals Coach Glen Hanlon said outside of the visitors' locker room. "I thought he played well, made some nice plays. He [also] got some chances on the power play."
Fleischmann skated with fellow prospect Jakub Klepis and veteran Matt Pettinger. But it's possible, if not likely, Fleischmann will eventually move to right wing, a position he's played in international competition with Czech junior national team.
Saturday's appearance was Fleischmann's second this season for the Capitals. After being cut two weeks into training camp, he played in a 5-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 7. But he was sent back to the minor leagues after the game.
The Capitals earned a day off Sunday with their victory in Philadelphia. On Monday they will host Dany Heatley and the struggling Ottawa Senators, who have lost three in a row.
Alexander Semin, after getting off to the fastest start in Capitals history with eight goals in his first seven NHL games, has been held without a goal the past six contests. His number of shots on goal also has dropped significantly.
The left wing averaged 4.4 more shots per game in the season's first seven games, but has averaged 1.5 during his scoreless streak.
Against the Flyers, Semin skated on the fourth line alongside grinder Boyd Gordon and enforcer Donald Brashear. He'll likely remain there against the Senators.
Backup goaltender Brent Johnson earned his first victory in four starts Saturday, improving to 1-1-2. Johnson has a 2.64 goals against average and a dazzling .924 save percentage. . . .
Shaone Morrisonn's goal against the Flyers was the defenseman's first this season. His lone score in 80 games a year ago didn't come until April 7. . . .
After the Capitals took a 4-1 first period lead in Philadelphia, the loudest fans in the NHL let the Flyers hear it.
"We are not playing well enough to get the crowd into it," captain Peter Forsberg said. "We are not playing good enough to make them cheer. I would be the same way." At 3-9-1, the floundering Flyers are the league's worst team. . . .
Capitals right wing Richard Zednik did not travel to Philadelphia after suffering an undisclosed injury in the second period of Friday's loss to the Thrashers. Notoriously secretive about the location and severity of injuries, the Capitals did not provide an update Sunday. The Harrisburg Patriot-News, which covers the Bears, reported in Sunday's editions that Zednik suffered a broken wrist.
Hanlon said before Saturday's game that Zednik could miss a week.
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Following his second demotion to the Hershey Bears, Tomas Fleischmann scores eight goals in seven games to earn another chance with the Capitals.
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Google to Try Selling Advertisements for Newspapers
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Google will run a three-month test -- set to be announced today -- that is designed to make it easy for newspaper advertisers to come to the popular search-engine site, find a newspaper they want to advertise in, browse ad rates and buy an ad.
The Boston Globe, owned by the New York Times Co., also will participate in the test, Times Co. spokeswoman Catherine Mathis said last night.
The source confirming The Post's participation spoke on condition of anonymity because the test has not been made public.
Google began brokering ad sales for magazines but has had little success in the space, the source said. The Mountain View, Calif., company has said it also will broker ads for radio and television.
The Google newspaper test was reported last night in the online versions of the Times and the Wall Street Journal, which said 50 U.S. newspapers will take part.
Average national daily circulation of American newspapers has been declining since 1987, as readers move to television, the Internet and other sources for news and information.
Advertising revenue also has been falling, as newspapers lose classified advertising to online sites such as Craigslist.org and some advertisers themselves disappear.
The consolidation of the department-store industry, for instance, has hurt newspapers, as the stores had been reliable advertisers for a century.
Newspaper owners are likely to see the Google test as a way to funnel some much-needed ad revenue to their papers.
Declining circulation and ad revenue and poor stock performance have caused a boardroom rift at the Chicago-based Tribune Co., which has led to the company putting its 25 television stations and 11 newspapers -- including the Baltimore Sun and Los Angeles Times -- up for sale.
Most newspapers have been publicly owned for some time, but Wall Street has soured on the industry, owing to its lack of growth. Private-equity firms are bidding on the Tribune properties; even though newspaper ad revenues are down, the papers still return profits in the 10 to 20 percent range, making them an attractive buy for private owners.
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Washington,DC,Virginia,Maryland business headlines,stock portfolio,markets,economy,mutual funds,personal finance,Dow Jones,S&P 500,NASDAQ quotes,company research tools. Federal Reserve,Bernanke,Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Colo. Minister Admits 'Sexual Immorality'
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Nov. 5 -- Before pastors began explaining to the congregation at New Life Church why its founder wasn't there Sunday, the youngsters were sent out of the room.
Some in the standing-room-only crowd in the megachurch's 8,000-seat auditorium wiped away tears and embraced one another as they heard the Rev. Ted Haggard's remorseful confession of "sexual immorality," read by a member of the church board.
"I am a deceiver and a liar. There's a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I have been warring against it for all of my adult life," wrote Haggard, who resigned Thursday as president of the National Association of Evangelicals, which represents 30 million evangelical Christians. The Overseer Board of New Life fired Haggard on Saturday.
Brought low by a man who said last week that Haggard paid him for sex and used methamphetamine, Haggard has not changed his version of events -- that he received a massage from the man and bought drugs but threw them away.
His letter, without addressing details, asked for forgiveness for himself and his accuser -- a plea many accepted with open arms.
After services, Patty Erwin was on her knees near the back of the auditorium, and her first prayer was for Haggard.
"We all love him because he's a part of our family. You don't just throw away a sister or a brother," said Erwin, who's been coming to the 14,000-member church for 15 years. "Desperately, we love him, and we wouldn't be here if we didn't."
In another letter read to the congregation, Haggard's wife, Gayle, promised to remain with her husband. The audience laughed when she said they no longer had to worry about her marriage being so perfect that she couldn't relate to them.
"My test has begun; watch me. I will try to prove myself faithful," she wrote.
Churchgoers and the ministers speaking Sunday made it clear they did not approve of what Haggard had done, but they also called on people to seek God's grace, love and restoration in their own lives.
The Rev. Larry Stockstill, senior pastor of Bethany World Prayer Center in Baker, La., and the Overseer Board member who read the Haggards' letters, said Haggard had been more open to his dark side because he was stretched thin by the demands of his pastoral work and his national profile. But he said no one is without sin and it's better to acknowledge it than try to hide it, adding that exposing Haggard's sin could help make people more aware of that.
"We can be angry at God and say the timing is terrible, or we can say 'Blessed be His name,' " said Stockstill, echoing a line from a hymn.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Nov. 5 -- Before pastors began explaining to the congregation at New Life Church why its founder wasn't there Sunday, the youngsters were sent out of the room.
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Parties Crank Up Voter Turnout Efforts
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Republicans seized on signs of movement in their direction yesterday as they unleashed a massive election-eve voter mobilization operation in an effort to stave off potentially substantial losses in the House and preserve at least a slender majority in the Senate.
Democrats answered the Republicans' get-out-the-vote machinery with intensified efforts to contact infrequent and still-undecided voters in a handful of tight Senate races as well as in more than two dozen GOP-held House districts where races were too close to call.
A Pew Research Center poll showed a significant narrowing in the partisan advantage in House races that the Democrats have enjoyed for much of the year, findings that echoed those of a Washington Post-ABC News poll released Saturday showing the Democrats with a six-point edge.
The Pew poll showed that the Democratic advantage had dropped to 47 percent to Republicans' 43 percent among likely voters, down from 50 percent to 39 percent two weeks ago. The poll found a drop in Democratic support among independents, but Pew Director Andrew Kohut said the most significant change over the past two weeks is that Republicans now outnumber Democrats among likely voters.
Separately, a USA Today/Gallup Poll showed Democrats leading Republicans by 51 percent to 44 percent among likely voters on the "generic vote" -- the question of which party voters intend to support in House races -- down from a 13-percentage-point advantage two weeks ago. But the newspaper noted Republicans enjoyed a similar 7-point edge on the eve of their 1994 landslide victory.
Other weekend polls by Time and Newsweek magazines continued to show Republicans at a steep disadvantage, with Democrats enjoying double-digit margins in party preferences for the House.
GOP strategists said they think their prospects continue to improve as voters digest the guilty verdict against former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, positive economic statistics and the prospect of Democrats taking control of one or both chambers of the legislative branch. "I have always believed that Republican voters in many cases come home later, particularly this year," said Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman.
President Bush campaigned yesterday in two conservative Plains states, Nebraska and Kansas, where there are no competitive statewide races but where Kansas Rep. Jim Ryun (R) is in trouble and where Nebraska state Sen. Adrian Smith (R) is struggling to win an open seat in a heavily Republican district.
A senior GOP strategist said party officials anticipated that the generic vote would tighten, but they do not consider the shift significant enough to change the contours of this election. More than 20 GOP incumbents are tied with their opponents heading into the final days. "It is the 50-50 districts that turnout can help," said the strategist, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to talk about strategy.
Democrats, mindful of the Republicans' success in getting their voters to the polls in the past two elections, expressed nervousness at signs of tightening in some national polls. But they said private and some public polling in contested House districts continued to show their party in a position to win enough seats to claim the majority.
"I don't know what to make of it," said Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Senate races in Virginia, Missouri and Montana, all for seats currently held by Republicans, remained among the closest in the country. Contests in Republican-held Tennessee and Democratic-held Maryland looked tight as well, depending on the poll. One survey showed the race in Rhode Island, a state Democrats must take to win the Senate, very close.
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Latest politics news headlines from Washington DC. Follow 2006 elections,campaigns,Democrats,Republicans,political cartoons,opinions from The Washington Post. Features government policy,government tech,political analysis and reports.
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In Missouri, a Forecast for Voter Misery
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Move over, Florida. You, too, Ohio. The state most ripe for voting disputes in tomorrow's voting, according to election law experts across the ideological spectrum, may well be Missouri.
"I feel a little like somebody in New Orleans the weekend before Katrina hit," said St. Louis attorney Mark "Thor" Hearne, who was the chief election lawyer for the 2004 Bush-Cheney campaign and now is counsel to a conservative group working to prevent voting fraud.
"I really, really, really hope Missouri does not find itself in the cross hairs," he said. But teams of lawyers care ready.
Prognosticators say the electoral climate in Missouri is volatile to start with because the state has perhaps the tightest Senate contest in the nation. First-term Sen. James M. Talent (R) has been deadlocked in polls for the past few months with his Democratic challenger, State Auditor Claire McCaskill. Voters also appear narrowly divided over a ballot initiative to allow usage of stem cells in medical research.
Those high stakes could drive up turnout and produce long lines at voting sites. They also could produce a thin enough margin in the Senate race to motivate the apparent loser to challenge the results.
Both parties already are complaining about possible voting trouble. Democrats and their allies say voters may be confused by a new state law requiring them to bring a photo ID to the polls. The law was struck down in court.
"Will poll workers inappropriately ask for ID? Will those kind of disputes lead to provisional ballots?" asked Tova Wang, an elections specialist at the Century Foundation.
Republicans, for their part, accuse Democrats of a history of voter fraud in the state. They point to the indictment last week of four workers for a liberal group, ACORN, alleged to have submitted false voter registrations to Kansas City's election board.
Given that mood, this is what Rick Hasen, a law professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, posted the other day on his Web site, http://www.electionlawblog.org/ : "If I were a journalist interested in the potential election meltdown of 2006, I'd head to St. Louis."
In Ohio, faithful Christians on the left are working to turn the tables on the Christian right. Using the language of equality and social justice, pastors urged nearly 400 people at a Columbus church last week to vote their liberal hearts and "create a just and peaceful world."
The featured speaker at Broad Street Presbyterian Church was Jim Wallis, the left-leaning author of "God's Politics" who has been urging Christian audiences around the country to fight back against social conservatives who helped create the Republican majority in Washington. He spoke of humility, reflection "and even accountability."
He also backed a statewide ballot initiative that would raise the minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $6.85. A group called Let Justice Roll passed out sign-up sheets for a voter turnout operation.
"Not paying decent wages is a biblical issue in my Bible," Wallis said. "Inequality is a biblical issue. Inequality makes God mad and should make us mad, too."
Wallis was introduced to the downtown crowd by the pastor of Vineyard Church of Columbus, the Rev. Rich Nathan, who thinks evangelicals are a diverse community with an array of concerns wider than abortion and gay marriage -- and have a less monolithic worldview than the media often portray.
"I believe we're going to see an entirely different trajectory in the evangelical church in the next decade," Nathan said. "The evangelical vote is up for grabs, and that is a good thing."
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Move over, Florida. You, too, Ohio. The state most ripe for voting disputes in tomorrow's voting, according to election law experts across the ideological spectrum, may well be Missouri. In Ohio, faithful Christians on the left are working to turn the tables on the Christian right. Using the...
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Democrats, on the Offensive, Could Gain Both Houses
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Two days before a bitterly fought midterm election, Democrats have moved into position to recapture the House and have laid siege to the Senate, setting the stage for a dramatic recasting of the power structure in Washington for President Bush's final two years in office, according to a Washington Post analysis of competitive races across the country.
In the battle for the House, Democrats appear almost certain to pick up more than the 15 seats needed to regain the majority. Republicans virtually concede 10 seats, and a split of the 30 tossup races would add an additional 15 to the Democratic column.
The Senate poses a tougher challenge for Democrats, who need to gain six seats to take control of that chamber. A three-seat gain is almost assured, but they would have to find the other three seats from four states considered to have tossup races -- Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri and Montana.
In governors' races, Democrats are likely to emerge with the majority for the first time in 12 years. Five states are almost certain to switch parties, including the key battlegrounds of New York, Massachusetts and Ohio. Four races are too close to call, but only one of those seats -- in Wisconsin -- is held by a Democrat.
A new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows some narrowing in the Democratic advantage in House races. The survey gives the Democrats a six-percentage-point lead nationally among likely voters asked which party they prefer for Congress. It was 14 points two weeks ago, but this remains a larger advantage than they have had in recent midterm elections.
The party in power almost always loses ground in the sixth year of a two-term presidency. Republicans had hoped that the partisan gerrymandering of most House districts would protect their majority, but the number of competitive seats has continued to grow throughout the year, increasing the likelihood of a Democratic takeover.
Rep. Rahm Emamuel (D-Ill.), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, stopped short of predicting that Democrats will take the House, but said: "I'm playing defense in one or two districts and offense in 46. I like those odds. I'd rather be us than them."
Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman predicted his party will retain majorities in both the House and Senate. "The Senate is in a better place than it was a week ago," he said, noting that GOP candidates in several of the closest races have improved their positions. "I think that the House remains very competitive," he added, pointing to a strong turnout operation that could save many incumbents in tossup races.
Republicans are fighting three forces: opposition to the war in Iraq, declining approval of the president, and historically low ratings for a Congress that struggled to produce notable achievements and that was often mired in partisanship.
The Democratic swing in the House is most evident in states east of the Mississippi River, where scandals, retirements and disaffection with the war have combined to put almost three dozen Republican-held seats at risk.
Ohio, the swing state that assured Bush's second-term victory, has turned into a Republican killing field. Republicans face the loss of the governorship and a Senate seat, and five GOP House districts are in danger of switching. Republicans fear the loss of other statewide races and at least one house of the state legislature.
Other GOP danger areas include Pennsylvania, where a Senate seat and five House incumbents are at risk, and Indiana, where Democrats could pick up three House seats. In New York, where Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D) and gubernatorial candidate Eliot L. Spitzer (D) are cruising toward victory, Republicans are defending half a dozen House districts.
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Two days before a bitterly fought midterm election, Democrats have moved into position to recapture the House and have laid siege to the Senate, setting the stage for a dramatic recasting of the power structure in Washington for President Bush's final two years in office, according to a Washington...
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Bush, Cheney Blitz West In Final Campaign Drive
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President Bush and Vice President Cheney blitzed through Western states yesterday, revving up conservative voters with threats of tax increases and legalized gay marriage if Democrats win big on Tuesday.
Bush delivered his weekly radio address live from a Colorado coffee shop, touting the tax cuts that a Republican-led Congress approved during his first term. A favorite line is to quote House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) declaring that Democrats also love tax cuts. "Given her record," Bush says at every stop now, "she must be a secret admirer."
Around the country, candidates staged rallies and made phone calls, seeking to energize voters.
Democrats look to be all but assured of winning control of the House, and they may take the Senate, too. One reason the Democrats are in contention: a spate of scandals that have besieged Republicans and their allies throughout the year.
Bush awoke at his Denver-area hotel yesterday to find the front page of the Rocky Mountain News devoted to the downfall of one of his staunch supporters, a prominent Christian evangelical leader.
With the first 14 pages of the newspaper focused on the allegations against the Rev. Ted Haggard, Cheney's visit was buried at the bottom of Page 27A, and Bush, who is usually greeted by front-page coverage in local newspapers when he visits, did not make the A section at all.
Republican strategists worry that the allegations may further discourage already disaffected religious conservatives from voting. Three congressional seats are considered in play in Colorado.
Bush traveled to Greeley, Colo., to promote Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, who sponsored a proposed federal constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman. "She has worked to prevent the institution of marriage from being redefined by activist judges," Bush said.
Colorado has two competing ballot issues concerning the rights of same-sex couples.
Vice President Cheney headlined a rally in Laramie, Wyo., where he called on 800 GOP faithful in a high school gymnasium. Cheney's visit to his home state came on the final leg of a several-day swing through the Rockies, a heavily Republican region where several GOP House and Senate candidates are embroiled in tough election battles this year.
Cheney reminded the crowd that Republican candidates support a tough national defense and low taxes. "If the Democrats take control, American families would face an immense tax increase, and the economy would sustain a major hit," Cheney warned.
Republican candidates around the country are sounding that warning on the stump. Many Democrats opposed the Bush cuts that have reduced taxes for both businesses and individuals in recent years, and they have advocated allowing some of the reductions to expire.
But the issue may not have as much resonance as it has in the past. When a Washington Post-ABC News poll asked voters in October to name their top issue for the 2006 election, zero percent identified taxes. An Associated Press-Ipsos survey in October found that 49 percent of respondents said they trusted Democrats more on taxes, compared to 37 percent who said Republicans.
Baker reported from Greeley, Colo. Staff writer Michael A. Fletcher contributed to this report from Laramie, Wyo.
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Latest politics news headlines from Washington DC. Follow 2006 elections,campaigns,Democrats,Republicans,political cartoons,opinions from The Washington Post. Features government policy,government tech,political analysis and reports.
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Losses Color a Patriotic Town's View of the Iraq War
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PRATTVILLE, Ala. -- There is no antiwar movement in this small Southern city -- in fact, locals boast, just the opposite.
Army enlistment per capita runs roughly three times the national average, making it one of the top places in the country for recruiting. School authorities in this conservative middle-class suburb say between 25 and 50 seniors from Prattville High -- out of a class of roughly 450 -- sign up each year for the military. They are gung-ho.
"Doesn't that make a mayor proud?" asked Mayor Jim Byard. "Folks here are just very patriotic."
Yet even in Prattville, skepticism toward the war in Iraq is deepening.
This city of 30,000 people buried its second soldier last week, a popular 19-year-old who was the high school quarterback two seasons ago. Doubts about the war have coalesced around his death.
Even many of the recent recruits -- who might be assumed to be most supportive of the conflict -- now harbor doubts. They're willing to fight, they said in numerous conversations this week, and they are loath to protest, but they're just not as sure about the war's purpose.
"This is a war we can't win," at least not the way it's being fought now, said Damien Rollan, 17, a wiry motorcycle-riding daredevil who has signed up for the Marines.
He paused over the thought of its possible futility, squinting.
"I'm a little worried if I get sent to Iraq and die," he said. "Then it's a wasted life for a lost cause."
Russell Meadows, a drummer in the high school band who has signed up for the Army Reserve, said the recent deaths "made everyone realize this is serious and not just a game."
Chris Childs, a senior who grew up playing a rifleman and drummer boy in Civil War reenactments and makes films in his spare time, said: "At first I supported the war, but lately I don't understand what's going on. I don't understand why we're still there and getting attacked."
He has signed up for the Army National Guard. He paused.
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PRATTVILLE, Ala. -- There is no antiwar movement in this small Southern city -- in fact, locals boast, just the opposite.
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Disgraced Minister Fired From Church In Colorado
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Nov. 4 -- The Rev. Ted Haggard was dismissed Saturday as leader of the megachurch he founded after a board determined the influential evangelist had committed "sexually immoral conduct," the church said Saturday.
Haggard resigned Thursday as president of the National Association of Evangelicals, where he held sway in Washington and condemned homosexuality, after a Denver man claimed to have had drug-fueled trysts with him.
He also had placed himself on administrative leave from the New Life Church, but its Overseer Board took the stronger action Saturday.
"Our investigation and Pastor Haggard's public statements have proven without a doubt that he has committed sexually immoral conduct," the independent board said in a statement.
Haggard was "informed of this decision," the statement said, and he "agreed as well that he should be dismissed."
Haggard, 50, acknowledged on Friday paying the man for a massage and for methamphetamine, but said he did not have sex with him and did not take the drug.
The statement from the 14,000-member church said the investigation of what it called Haggard's "moral failings" would continue.
Haggard did not answer phone calls Saturday.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Nov. 4 -- The Rev. Ted Haggard was dismissed Saturday as leader of the megachurch he founded after a board determined the influential evangelist had committed "sexually immoral conduct," the church said Saturday.
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Old U.S. Adversary Poised for Comeback
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MANAGUA, Nicaragua, Nov. 4 -- As Daniel Ortega makes his fourth attempt to win back Nicaragua's presidency in elections Sunday, citizens across this war-battered nation are grappling with the very real possibility that the former Marxist revolutionary could finally succeed.
That prospect has sent shudders through Washington, where Ortega is remembered, and reviled, as the bane of the Reagan administration.
Here in Nicaragua, however, the vote is being viewed less as a referendum on Ortega's 11-year rule after his guerrilla forces seized power in 1979 than as a chance to end a more recent era of collusion between his Sandinista National Liberation Front and the Constitutionalist Liberal Party, which holds the most seats in the National Assembly.
Maverick candidates from both camps have pronounced themselves disgusted by the unbridled corruption that has flourished under "el pacto," or the pact, as the power-sharing arrangement is known, and they have formed popular breakaway parties that vow to return the focus to Nicaragua's impoverished multitudes.
Yet this very splintering of his opposition, combined with a rules change devised under the pact that allows a candidate to win a first-round vote with as little as 35 percent of the ballots and a five-point lead, offers Ortega, 60, his best chance at a comeback since voters swept him from the presidency in 1990.
Although the immense affection Ortega earned by toppling brutal dictator Anastasio Somoza in 1979 was severely eroded by his government's human rights abuses, confiscation of property and bloody war against U.S.-backed contra insurgents, Ortega still leads public opinion polls in the five-way race with as much as 33 percent -- putting him within striking distance of a first-round victory.
Now Nicaraguans face a dilemma.
"Everyone is asking themselves: 'Should I vote for the candidate I really want, or should I vote for the guy who I think can beat Ortega?" observed Carlos Chamorro, a political analyst and son of the woman who replaced Ortega in 1990, Violeta Chamorro.
Ortega's opponents have weighed in over the past week with a frenzy of ads promoting themselves as the most viable alternative.
José Rizo, 62, candidate of the Constitutionalist Liberal Party, blanketed the airwaves with commercials claiming that the massive turnout at his closing campaign rally in a Managua square last Sunday proved he was the safest bet.
Eduardo Montealegre, 51, a former foreign and finance minister now representing the breakaway Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance, countered with spots touting opinion polls that put him in second place.
"Think of your family and of Nicaragua. Don't waste your vote on candidates who can't defeat Ortega," Montealegre, who is favored by the Bush administration, urged in a final televised message to voters Wednesday.
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MANAGUA, Nicaragua, Nov. 4 -- As Daniel Ortega makes his fourth attempt to win back Nicaragua's presidency in elections Sunday, citizens across this war-battered nation are grappling with the very real possibility that the former Marxist revolutionary could finally succeed.
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The Infamous Life of Emma Hamilton
It's a story line too implausible for fiction: A beautiful girl, born in poverty and raised in squalor, parlays a job as a servant into that of an actress-model and professional escort; becomes the mistress of one wealthy aristocrat and the wife of another; turns into a media star whose picture is on every publication and in every house in the land; and carries on a wildly public adulterous love affair with the most famous man in the world.
Oh, and did we mention that along the way she becomes a key player in international diplomatic maneuverings, as well as a decorated humanitarian whose efforts save an entire population from starvation?
Amazingly, in an era that has made heroines (or at least supermarket idols) of Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana and Angelina Jolie, scarcely anyone has heard of the woman whose career prefigured theirs: Emma Hamilton, wife of the British ambassador to Naples in the last years of the 18 century, muse of England's most celebrated artists and mistress of Adm. Horatio Nelson, hero of the Napoleonic Wars.
Kate Williams, a young English historian who has also appeared frequently on British television, is well-placed to correct this oversight, and in England's Mistress , her biography of the notorious Emma, she has created a readable and often surprising portrait of "Europe's biggest female celebrity" and the age that created her.
Born in a poor farming community in northern England in 1765, Amy Lyon was 12 when she followed her widowed mother into domestic service, first in the provinces and then in London. Temperamentally unsuited to both the drudgery and the danger of menial work -- Williams tells us that the most common cause of death for girls in 18th-century England was burns or scalds -- Amy was turned out on the streets from two such jobs by the time she was a teenager. After a stint as a prostitute -- the occupation of one in eight adult females in London in the late 18th century -- and an artist's model, she found steady employment as the star of a combination sex show and therapy center, James Graham's "Temple of Health," and then as one of the whores at Madam Kelly's exclusive Mayfair brothel, where her hiring was publicized in Town and Country Magazine. She was 14 years old.
From Madam Kelly's, Emma, as she was now known, passed into the exclusive protection of a dissolute young squire, who got her pregnant and tossed her out on the streets yet again, from whence she was rescued by one of the squire's friends, a fussy bachelor named Charles Greville. Packing her newborn daughter off to relatives in the north, Greville set himself up as Pygmalion to Emma's newly pious, submissive Galatea. Although he wished her to live a life of "prudence and plainness," Greville hoped to profit from her, too, arranging for her to sit for the fashionable painter George Romney in return for a share of the purchase price of every painting. The arrangement succeeded beyond Greville's wildest dreams: Soon many fashionable painters were clamoring to portray her, engravers were turning out thousands of prints of the images, and her face even found its way onto consumer goods such as cups and fans. Repelled by his mistress's transformation into a celebrity -- a transformation he had helped to accomplish -- Greville shipped her out of the country to his uncle, Sir William Hamilton, England's ambassador to the court of Naples, a childless widower. But if he thought this would be the end of Emma, he was wrong. It was the beginning.
Hamilton, instead of treating his nephew's cast-off mistress as a piece of property, treasured her as if she were one of the Roman artifacts he collected. He gave her music and dancing lessons, lavish clothes and jewels -- and ultimately, and surprisingly, married her. Emma repaid him not only by becoming one of the most sought-after hostesses at the Neapolitan court but by embarking on a parallel diplomatic career. It was she who carried the doomed Marie Antoinette's last letter to her sister, Queen Maria Carolina of Naples, and she who, by virtue of her friendship with the queen, cemented the alliance between Naples and England that brought the English admiral Horatio Nelson to the Mediterranean capital.
As portrayed by Williams, the meeting between "the ambassadress sex bomb and the virile captain" was as volcanic as the periodic eruptions of nearby Mt. Vesuvius. Their initial attraction, apparently evident to English gossip columnists, became infatuation upon Nelson's return to Naples after defeating the French fleet at the Battle of the Nile. "To the delight of the watching audience," Williams reports, "[Emma] arrived on deck and flung herself against him, exclaiming in happiness and shedding sympathetic tears over his wounds" -- which included the loss of an arm and blindness in one eye. For his part, Nelson "describ[ed] his heart as fluttering with confusion."
Poor Sir William, doting upon his beautiful wife, pragmatically aware that his own security was dependent on Nelson's success and "simply too tired to protest against being cuckolded," complaisantly invited the admiral to live with him and Emma in a ménage à trois that was soon providing fodder for every scandal sheet in Europe. Neither he nor Nelson nor Emma seemed to care; when he was called home to England -- Emma having in the meantime earned the Cross of Malta for her efforts in sending supplies of food to the besieged inhabitants of that island -- their arrangement continued, only to be halted by Hamilton's death, from after-effects of dysentery contracted in Naples in 1803. "Unhappy day for the forlorn Emma," his widow wrote. She seems to have really loved him.
But she loved Nelson more, with a recklessness that doomed her. Intent on surrounding him with -- and perhaps vicariously sharing in -- the trappings of the hero she believed him to be, she spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on her personal wardrobe (gowns of faux naval regalia, "a la Nelson") and on furnishing his country estate of Merton, where she presided as hostess to politicians and nobles she thought might advance his career. She bore him a daughter, Horatia; she entertained and housed and lent money to his family. Inevitably, when Nelson was killed at sea in the Battle of Trafalgar, it all caught up with her. She was, metaphorically speaking, tossed out on the streets again -- liable for huge debts, left pensionless and unprotected.
This time she couldn't reinvent herself. Ill and penniless, she died on Jan. 15, 1815, in Calais, where, Becky Sharp-like, she had gone to flee her creditors.
In recounting Emma's dramatic life, Kate Williams has done a thorough job in researching and presenting her subject's historical context. She knows what servant girls ate and how they were treated, what political cross-currents swept across Europe in the wake of the French Revolution, how London society behaved in the late 18th-century. And she has plumbed the documentary records that exist, from Emma's and Nelson's correspondence (Nelson, unfortunately, burnt most of her letters to him) to Emma's account books. In the absence of hard evidence, she sometimes strains for effects, writing that Emma "probably" did thus and so or "perhaps" said this or that; and in an effort to make Emma and her story relevant to modern tastes, she sometimes jarringly resorts to the language of today's tabloids ("sex bomb," "heartthrob" and so on). But England's Mistress divertingly and instructively illuminates a time and culture both far away and intriguingly like our own, and resurrects a woman whose mingled vulnerability and resilience -- to say nothing of her glamour -- still have the power to fascinate. ·
Amanda Vaill is the author, most recently, of "Somewhere: The Life of Jerome Robbins," which will be published later this month.
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ENGLAND'S MISTRESS The Infamous Life of Emma Hamilton
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For Foes, a Redskins Flaw Exposed
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Two quarters into his first game as a Washington Redskin, safety Troy Vincent is optimistic. His new team leads the unbeaten Indianapolis Colts, 14-13, and he sees an even more encouraging sign: Despite a penchant for giving up big plays this season, the Redskins have surrendered just one long pass to Peyton Manning, the most dangerous quarterback in the league.
In the locker room at halftime, Vincent tells his fellow defensive backs that they can steal this game. If they can just keep the pressure on and not allow big passing plays in the second half, they can beat the heavily favored Colts on their home field.
But with 8 minutes 18 seconds remaining in the third quarter, any hope of victory disappears. Manning, tight end Dallas Clark and running back Joseph Addai line up at midfield. Clark runs a pass pattern up the middle of the field, past Redskins linebacker Khary Campbell. Safety Adam Archuleta notices and takes a fatal step in to help cover Clark. Manning catches Archuleta cheating and throws deep to the spot he has just vacated to an open Reggie Wayne running a post corner, the exact route that all season long has been open against the Redskins defense when the safety is caught too shallow.
The 51-yard touchdown play devastates Washington. By taking that single step inward toward Clark, Archuleta has sacrificed the battle to try to win the war -- and lost on both fronts. The Colts lead, 27-14, and the game is gone.
For days afterward, Redskins safeties coach Steve Jackson was sick about the play. "I can't talk about that play," Jackson said. Although he was unwilling to talk about the particulars of that play, he offered his basic philosophy on playing the position: "All I can say is that when you play safety, you play deep to short. Deep to short. Nothing over your head."
In the days between the Indianapolis loss and today's NFC East matchup with the Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field, the Redskins coaching staff painstakingly reviewed tape from the team's first seven games. In all, they dissected 79 series and 436 total plays from scrimmage over seven games.
What assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams and his staff found is disturbing to them. A season-long problem has not gone away: opposing offenses are relentlessly attacking the middle seams of Washington's two primary-zone pass defenses. More than half of the big pass plays the Redskins have surrendered have been to the same fertile patch between the hash marks downfield, between the safeties and cornerbacks. Teams use the same trigger -- usually a play-action fake -- to the same receivers, either a tight end or slot receiver. The receiver runs a post corner, cutting into the seam of the zone, while the tight end streaks down the middle of the field.
Offenses are using the Redskins' aggressiveness -- that of Archuleta especially -- against them by employing the play-action fakes, according to multiple league sources that study Washington's defensive tendencies. Known throughout the league as a feared hitter, offenses also have found success attacking safety Sean Taylor -- not in the running game, where he is a force, but increasingly by testing his pass-coverage skills.
Sources inside and outside the Redskins organization say these vulnerabilities have been apparent since the preseason. Yet, neither the Redskins players nor coaches have been able to do anything about it.
The coaches say stopping this play should not be difficult. Both the Cover-2 zone (the two safeties split the deep part of the field, providing cover to the two cornerbacks to discourage long passes) and the 3-2-6 zone (a formation that uses three down linemen, two linebackers and six defensive backs) are common among NFL defenses. In recent years the Redskins have used both better than most.
But getting them to work this season has proven complicated. Williams and his staff say they have explained what needs to be done, showed it to the players on film and, week after week, been satisfied by the adjustments in practice. "You have to practice it Wednesday. You have to practice it Thursday and Friday," cornerbacks coach Jerry Gray said. "And hopefully it sinks in to where Sunday, you say the stuff that I've seen on film and practice will come back to me."
So far this season, the results on Sundays have disappointed. Being attacked weekly in the same location is vexing a coaching staff that believes it has taught all it can teach. It is forcing Washington's coaches to come to another conclusion: Perhaps they do not have as talented a defensive secondary as they once thought.
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The Redskins' secondary, the safeties in particular, continue to get beaten by the same post patterns, over and over again, and the coaches are struggling with finding solutions.
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The Best Security May Still Be Free
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Security software doesn't exactly top most people's wish lists. You know you need it -- how else will you protect Windows against viruses, spyware, trojans and whatever other creepy stuff the Internet throws at you? But there's no joy attached to using these defensive programs.
That's somewhat unavoidable with software that, by nature, has zero productivity or entertainment value. Anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall applications can only help your computer if it's already infected; otherwise, the best they can do is keep your PC in the same condition.
And in the meantime, you have three or more separate programs to maintain. Combining those applications into a unified whole should at least minimize the nuisance factor and, ideally, give your computer a software bodyguard who looks out for trouble at all times.
But a tryout of new security suites from five major developers -- CA, McAfee, Panda, Symantec and Trend Micro -- revealed many of the same sins all around. (Two other developers, Microsoft and Zone Labs, are between updates.) Too often, the software meant to keep your computer safe does so at an unnecessary cost.
Stability: All of these packages must interact with the deepest innards of Windows, and having two of them active risks severe conflicts. But Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2007 (Win XP, $70) didn't even warn me about the presence of an older security suite on the test computer.
McAfee Internet Security Suite 2007 (Win 2000 or newer, $70), Panda Internet Security 2007 (Win 98 or newer, $70) and Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2007 (Win 2000 or newer, $50) did issue that heads-up, but left it to the user to clean out the other security programs.
Only CA Internet Security Suite 2007 (Win 98 SE or newer, $70) extracted the old software automatically.
Efficiency: These suites can eat up a huge chunk of your computer's capacity, greatly prolonging its start-up times and cutting into memory available for other programs. Norton Internet Security seemed the worst offender, but the others did not appear to be much better.
Visual clutter can also be a problem with these programs, in the form of the toolbars and buttons some add to your Windows desktop, Web browser and e-mail program. CA, Panda and PC-cillin, however, were less of a bother in this respect.
Consistency: Although each of these suites presents a unified front, their constituent programs can have trouble coordinating their work. For example, PC-cillin's anti-spyware component warned me when I visited a site offering spyware downloads but didn't stop me from running a screensaver obtained from there. CA's suite was the least integrated of them all: While the other packages' control panels provided a simple "scan now" button to check for trouble, CA lacked that.
Education: A good security package should educate as well as protect, so you can develop your own sense of what's safe and what's not.
PC-cillin was the worst of the batch at this. When it erased some viruses, my only notice was a vague Windows error message. After a new program set itself to run automatically at each start-up, a "Suspicious changes detected" dialogue effectively buried any useful information about the nature of that potential threat.
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Security software doesn't exactly top most people's wish lists. You know you need it -- how else will you protect Windows against viruses, spyware, trojans and whatever other creepy stuff the Internet throws at you? But there's no joy attached to using these defensive programs.
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Wary Nigerians Urge Better Airline Safety -- and Pray
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ABUJA, Nigeria, Nov. 4 -- Nigerians long reveled in their freewheeling aviation culture, swapping stories about seeing cows on runways or dashing frantically onto tarmacs 30 minutes after official takeoff times, and still being allowed on flights.
But three fatal accidents in the past year, culminating with last Sunday's crash of a Boeing 737 moments after takeoff, have terrified travelers and fueled calls for a new focus on airline safety in a country where the highways are even more dangerous.
"Flying by air, your heart is in your mouth," said Mimi Anomuogharan, 27, a student who was sitting in Abuja's Nnamdi Azikwe Airport on Friday. "Plane crashes in Nigeria have become too rampant. . . . Too many people have died."
Anomuogharan had just arrived in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, from the southern city of Benin, after spending most of the hour-long flight muttering prayers, she said. When the plane hit a patch of rough air, another passenger cried out for God's mercy. "It was terrible," she said.
Nigeria is Africa's most populous country, with 130 million people jammed in an area twice the size of California. The vast majority of Nigerians lack the money to fly, but government officials, business executives, students and professionals have for years moved easily about the country, paying about $80 each way for flights to more than a dozen commercial airports.
Advance bookings rarely were necessary, or possible, and planes often waited on tarmacs until enough passengers arrived to fill available seats. Security was lax, and if the planes often looked past their prime, the skies at least were free of the armed robbers, giant potholes and bribe-hungry police common on many Nigerian highways.
"My nervousness is worse on the road," Abayomi Awe, 53, a physician with the federal Health Ministry, said as he waited for a flight from Abuja to Lagos, Nigeria's commercial center. "You have to choose between the two evils. This one is the lesser one."
The Lagos-Abuja air route has long been an especially essential artery for Nigeria, with some civil servants making the trip almost every week. Many of the country's potpourri of airlines fly the route several times a day.
A Boeing 737 on a Lagos-Abuja run, Bellview Flight 210, crashed on Oct. 22, 2005, the first in the spate of accidents. Seven weeks later, a DC-9 owned by Sosoliso Airlines crashed in Port Harcourt in the southern oil-producing region. Dozens of high school students returning home for Christmas holidays were among those killed.
Yet the crash Sunday may have been the most unsettling to many here: Several prominent Nigerians, including two senators and the sultan of Sokoto, the spiritual leader of the country's estimated 65 million Muslims, were among the victims.
On Friday, the tail of the Boeing 737 -- with the insignia of its owner, ADC Airlines, clearly visible -- still sat propped against a tree in the cornfield where the plane had plunged to the ground. Old shoes, juice boxes and torn pieces of clothing remained scattered among charred, mangled engine parts and an intact wheel from the landing gear. A burnt smell lingered in the air.
Taken together, the three accidents killed more than 320 people.
President Olusegun Obasanjo this week grounded ADC Airlines and replaced his aviation minister. But criticism of the government has not eased, with many Nigerians contending that corruption allowed airlines to skimp on maintenance. Others said they suspected that inspections have not been nearly rigorous enough.
"The government has to be serious on the regulatory role," Awe said. "They haven't been doing enough."
With faith in the airlines and in the government running low, many travelers have turned to prayer.
"I'm very nervous," said Nnenna Mazi, 21, as she waited in the domestic departure area of the Abuja airport, midpoint in her trip from Kano, a northern city where she has been participating in the national youth service program, to her home in Port Harcourt. "I had to start praying about the flights like two days before I took off."
The rash of accidents also has driven customers to airlines regarded as safer, including Virgin Nigeria Airways, owned in part by the British-based Virgin Atlantic, and AeroContractors, a decades-old airline that predominantly served Nigeria's oil industry before expanding into general commercial service. A new airline, Arik Air, started flying on Monday, boasting of new jets and "European safety standards."
Arik Air is following the lead of Virgin Nigeria and Aero in enforcing rules against late passengers. Though aviation experts say such orderliness is essential to running safe airlines, the development is jarring to many travelers here.
Pius Agbude, 42, a banker from Lagos, said he arrived 15 minutes before his 12:30 p.m. Arik Air flight was scheduled to take off on Friday. Airline officials turned him away. The message was delivered a bit rudely, he said, but he respected the importance of rules. As he waited several hours for a 4:30 flight on the same airline, Agbude said he would fly Arik again.
"That has taught me a lesson," he said. "It's not going to be business as usual."
Yet other passengers were not so eager to wait.
Awe, who said he averages eight flights a month, at first wanted to take Virgin Nigeria to Lagos, but it was booked for the rest of the day. He considered Arik, but its next available flight would have required three hours of waiting in the Abuja airport. Awe instead chose an earlier flight on Bellview.
The decision left him nervous. And, shortly before the flight, Awe's daughter called on his cellphone, inquiring if he was going to make it back to Lagos for the weekend.
"By the grace of God," he told her, "I will still come."
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ABUJA, Nigeria, Nov. 4 -- Nigerians long reveled in their freewheeling aviation culture, swapping stories about seeing cows on runways or dashing frantically onto tarmacs 30 minutes after official takeoff times, and still being allowed on flights.
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U.S. Lags in Several Areas of Health Care, Study Finds
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Americans have a harder time than residents of several other countries getting after-hours appointments with a nurse or primary care physician without going to an emergency room, a study released yesterday found.
Forty percent of U.S. primary care doctors said they had arrangements for after-hours care, according to the survey of more than 6,000 physicians in seven countries. That compared with 95 percent in the Netherlands, 90 percent in New Zealand, 87 percent in the United Kingdom, 76 percent in Germany and 47 percent in Canada.
The study, published online by the journal Health Affairs, also found that the United States trails other countries in adopting electronic medical records and computerized systems to remind patients about follow-up care, prompt physicians to give patients test results and warn of potentially harmful drug interactions. It found that primary care doctors in America were less likely to have financial incentives to improve the quality of the care they provide.
"Although the U.S. pays more for health care than any other country, we are under-investing in our primary care system," Karen Davis, president of the Commonwealth Fund, the foundation that sponsored the survey, said in a statement. "Other countries have made high-quality primary care a priority by putting into place the financial and technical systems that support access to, and delivery of, such care."
The study is the latest of many to document that the United States lags on some measures of health and care despite spending more on medical care than any other nation. Annual U.S. medical spending was $5,635 per person in 2003. The next highest among the seven countries surveyed was $3,003 in Canada; the Netherlands spent the least, $1,886 per person. In that vein, U.S. primary care doctors were the most likely to say their patients often had difficulty paying for medications or other care, the survey found.
Advocates say greater use of electronic records would improve patient care, reduce errors, curb unnecessary tests and cut paperwork. About 28 percent of U.S. primary care doctors said they use such records, compared with 98 percent in the Netherlands, 92 percent in New Zealand, 89 percent in the United Kingdom, 79 percent in Australia and 42 percent in Germany. Only Canada ranked lower, at 23 percent.
Twenty-three percent of U.S. physicians said they had a computerized system to alert them to a potential problem with a drug dose or interaction. In all other countries except Canada (10 percent), more physicians reported using such systems. The Netherlands was highest at 93 percent. The United States and Canada also ranked lower than the others in use of computerized systems to remind patients to get follow-up care or to remind doctors to give patients test results.
Only 30 percent of U.S. doctors said they have financial incentives to improve the quality of the care they provide, even as more policymakers say physicians should be rewarded for the quality, rather than just the volume, of services. The United Kingdom ranked highest, with 95 percent of doctors saying they received such incentives. The United States was last, the survey found.
One area where "pay for performance" is making significant inroads in the United States is in HMOs, according to a separate study published yesterday in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The study, by Harvard School of Public Health researchers, found that 52 percent of managed-care plans, accounting for more than 81 percent of people enrolled in HMOs, base payments to their providers in part on quality. The authors said the study provided the first national estimate of the use of pay for performance by the nation's health plans.
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Americans have a harder time than residents of several other countries getting after-hours appointments with a nurse or primary care physician without going to an emergency room, a study released yesterday found.
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In a Tech-Savvy World, the Word of God Goes Mobile
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The latest cellphone technology brings new meaning to the notion of hearing God's call.
Media-savvy ministries are adapting their message for a new generation of phones, which have memories capable of holding entire books and playing videos and music.
The result: missionaries in Asia beaming testimonials onto a two-inch screen; a three-day, 100,000-person crusade boiled down to a two-minute video sermon; a Christian punk ring tone.
"We believe everyone lives very rushed, harried lives and like to think of the cell as your sanctuary on the go," said Martha Cotton, co-founder of the Christian media company Good News Holdings, whose customers get videos of Christian extreme athletes and talks from Christian motivational speakers on their phones. She calls the pieces "short-attention-span theater."
Using a phone for spiritual purposes raises unique questions: Is it rude to watch your phone in church -- if that's where you've downloaded your Bible? Can text-message blessings be spiritually enriching? Is there a sense of religious community on a cellular phone?
Cellphones actually might be well suited for spiritual communication. Carried everywhere by their owners, they are the most intimate piece of technology many people own. They are emblazoned with personalized "wallpaper," have ring tones meant to advertise their owners' very essence and are loaded with personal information.
These palm-size gadgets "can take on a mystical significance," said James Katz, who studies the cultural and social impact of cellphones at Rutgers University, where he is the director of the Center for Mobile Communication Studies.
In focus groups and interviews around the world, Katz has noted evidence of what he calls a "talismanic" connection many people have with their phones: screens adorned with spiritual scenes, Catholics who text-message their atoning Hail Mary prayers, Muslims who carry "Islamic phones" loaded with a Global Positioning System function that points them to Mecca.
Fundamental questions remain about how far people will go in using their phones for data. People send text messages, but how long will they watch a tiny screen? Long enough to watch a gospel video? A religious service? A meaty subject such as religion might be a good test in the data market, which is dominated by such relatively simple things as ring tones, sports scores and games, industry analysts say.
Americans spent $6.5 billion on data products in the first half of this year, according to CTIA, a wireless industry group. Although that is only a fraction of the total wireless revenue for that period -- $60.5 billion -- it is up from $3.8 billion in the first half of last year.
Since launching in September, http://www.themobileword.com/ has gained thousands of subscribers who can watch on their phones two- to three-minute video sermons by Greg Laurie, pastor at the country's eighth-largest church, Harvest Christian Fellowship, or snippets of Christian comics and hip-hop artists.
For $7.99 a month, they can open their phone and get a quick reminder from Laurie, wearing a black, short-sleeve shirt on stage at his evangelical megachurch in Riverside, Calif., that "you serve a smiling God. . . . God has never been disillusioned with you because he never had any illusions about you to begin with. You think he didn't know he was getting a flawed, sinful person?"
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This is your source for news on personal technology. Find info and reviews on the newest technology that affects your life. Read our latest features on new tech gadgets.
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Female Bishop Takes Helm of Episcopal Church
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Wearing multicolored vestments that represent a new dawn, Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori formally took office yesterday as the first woman to lead the Episcopal Church and promised to seek healing and wholeness in a denomination threatened by schism.
Jefferts Schori, 52, a pilot, rock climber and former oceanographer whose surprise election in June deepened existing rifts over homosexuality and the authority of scripture, did not delve into those issues in her opening sermon as presiding bishop. But she did call for peace, intoning the Hebrew word "shalom" no fewer than seven times.
"If some in this church feel wounded by recent decisions, then our salvation, our health as a body, is at some hazard, and it becomes the duty of all of us to seek healing and wholeness," she said.
More than 3,000 people, including 150 bishops in crimson robes, packed the National Cathedral for the investiture ceremony, a symbolic blend of tradition and modernity.
Native American "smudgers" -- incense-bearing tribal leaders, mostly from Episcopal missions in Jefferts Schori's Nevada diocese -- filled the gothic cathedral with the aroma of smoldering cedar, sage and sweet grass.
A barefoot Chinese-style dancer waved aquamarine streamers. An African American gospel choir from Philadelphia sang "This is the Day." A female rabbi, an imam and an Anglican archbishop from South Africa presented Jefferts Schori with oil, representing the healing arts.
In the culminating rite of transition, her predecessor, Bishop Frank T. Griswold, handed her a gold and silver staff. She wore a chasuble and miter of purple, yellow, red and orange, representing the colors of sunrise.
Rowan Williams, the archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion, sent an emissary to offer his "prayers and best wishes" for her nine-year term. "She will take on this responsibility in the most challenging times," he said.
The 2.3-million-member Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of the 77-million-member Anglican Communion. Thirteen of the 38 churches in the communion have no female priests, much less bishops, and Jefferts Schori is the first woman to head any national church in the nearly 500-year history of Anglicanism.
Williams has accepted her election. He met privately with her at London's Lambeth Palace on Oct. 27, and he has invited her to the next gathering of the communion's 38 presiding bishops, or primates, in Tanzania in February.
But several primates in the Global South -- developing countries where Anglicanism is fast growing and deeply traditional -- have said that they will have difficulty sitting down with her, not so much because she is a woman as because of her views on homosexuality and theology.
Jefferts Schori, who is married to a theoretical mathematician and has a 25-year-old daughter serving as an Air Force pilot, voted in 2003 to confirm the election of New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Anglican prelate. She has also supported blessings for same-sex couples, and she has said that, although she believes in salvation through Jesus, she does not think Christianity is the only path to God.
Those positions fall on one side of an increasingly bitter fault line in the U.S. church. Seven of the 111 Episcopal dioceses have rejected her authority, though they have stopped short of formally breaking away from the denomination. Some individual parishes have cut all ties to the Episcopal Church and have affiliated with more orthodox Anglican provinces overseas.
When delegates to the General Convention elected Jefferts Schori on June 18, "it was just one more thing -- but a highly symbolic one -- which caused us to consider whether we wish to continue in the Episcopal Church," said Warren Thrasher, a lay leader at Northern Virginia's 1,500-member Truro Church.
Truro and a sister congregation, the Falls Church, recently completed 40 days of internal discussions about their future and are to vote in mid-December on whether to leave the Episcopal Church, which could trigger a legal battle with the Virginia diocese over control of their buildings and other assets.
In the diocese of Washington, All Saints Church in Chevy Chase appears to have skirted a split, at least for now. It reached an accord last month with Bishop John B. Chane, who offered to share oversight of the restive congregation with a more conservative bishop, South Carolina's Edward Salmon.
Jefferts Schori has said she favors such arrangements and does not intend to disguise her views or to push them on others. The message of Jesus can be fulfilled, she said in yesterday's sermon, through "the will to make peace with one who disdains our theological position -- for his has merit, too, as the fruit of faithfulness."
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Wearing multicolored vestments that represent a new dawn, Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori formally took office yesterday as the first woman to lead the Episcopal Church and promised to seek healing and wholeness in a denomination threatened by schism.
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Got Plans? - washingtonpost.com
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Every Thursday at 1 p.m. ET, washingtonpost.com's City Guide experts share their best bets for local flavor, great dates and family fun. Got plans? Great. Need plans? Just ask. We have the skinny on the bars and clubs, concerts, kitchens, theaters and special events that keep life interesting. We're going out gurus, and we're at your service.
Of course, we're happy to answer questions about local entertainment, but we need to hear from you, too. Introduce us to the coolest DJ or the fastest bartender you've encountered. Sound off on the week's best concert or the city's best burger. Tell us about the best place to amuse little kids or a big art fan. Together we can plan fun ways to spend weekdays, weekends, dates and holidays. The pleasure is ours, and yours.
Each week a different guru will act as host or hostess, but the entire staff is at your service. If you're looking for more ideas, see the City Guide or read transcripts of past Got Plans? discussions .
washingtonpost.com: Hi there folks, happy November. Lots of people want to know where the best election parties will be, we're here to help with that and whatever else is on your mind. We've got a full crew -- Anne, Erin, Fritz, Janet, Jen, Julia, Rhome and myself, David. I'm a little strung out on cold medication today, so I'll either be somewhat incoherent or shockingly lucid. Let's get to it.
What's the deal with the new Posh Restaurant and Supper Club? I am thinking of taking my girlfriend there for her 30th birthday and wanted to make sure I wouldn't be going wrong.
Erin: I would think twice or more about taking her. Tom Sietsema's Weekly Dish could fill you in on the details.
For something more fun and celebratory, I would steer you to Rasika, Oya or Komi.
Rosslyn, Va.: Skyline Drive. Is it still worth seeing this weekend?
Julia: I would think so. Seems like the foliage turned a little late this year.
I just called the Shenandoah hotline (800-434-5323) and it said that even though some of the leaves have fallen, approximately 90 percent of the trees on Skyline Drive are showing color. Might be crowded, but should be pretty!
If you want further information on Purple dogwoods and Virginia Creepers, give the hotline a ring before you head out!
Maryland: Any ideas on where to watch election returns in Maryland? Preferably near Silver Spring?
We've got a couple of big races and I'd like to watch the results with my fellow Marylanders.
Fritz: Of the places I've called in Silver Spring thus far, none are hosting election-watching parties. (If you have any ideas shoot an email to fritz dot hahn at washingtonpost dot com.)
Arlington, Va.: Looking for a good spot to watch the WVU-Louisville game on Thursday night, can you recommend a West Virginia bar in the D.C. area?
Fritz: The CouchBurners gather at Ragtime, two blocks from the Court House Metro station. It's not that great of a bar, but you'll be surrounded by fellow fans.
My mom will be in town next weekend (11/10-12) and wants to go to a "show" - she's a little old fashioned and doesn't like anything too loud or crazy, but she likes orchestras and musicals and more traditional things like that. I saw that the NSO is at the Kennedy Center, but it seems to be sold out.
Do you guys have any suggestions for Friday or Saturday night??
You guys are so brilliant - I knew you'd be able to help!
Erin: If you're up for a play, Signature Theatre's got a well-reviewed adaptation of " My Fair Lady " right now. It's a stark set and two pianos in place of the full orchestra, but it's very interesting. I would also recommend " A Midsummer Night's Dream ." It's not a musical, but it weaves '30s music into it and it's at the Folger, which is a fantastic setting for a visiting mom. It's hilarious and well-suited for a nearby dinner at Sonoma or Montmartre.
Washington, D.C.- Save me the Train Fare:
Gurus, Please help me out. I know DC is not NYC, but my girlfriend keeps mentioning going to NYC to shop. I know it's my duty to go with it, but are there any DC shops that might ease the pain between trips to NYC? (I'll admit that I do like to browse the latest shoes and clothes while up there), but it is kind of a haul to window shop! Help?
Janet: Although there are nowhere near the number of shops you have in NYC, D.C. is getting better all the time. Let me name a few of my faves: Relish , Intermix , Cusp , Barney's . And there are tons more: Maggie & Lola, Lettie Gooch, Club Monaco, Valise, Wild Women Wear Red.
Gurus, I have a hard time finding dress shirts that fit due to a large neck. All of my shirts are too large at the waist. I've tried various slim-fit and tailored shirts, but those still feel too large. Any recommendations on brands that may be slimmer, or failing that a relatively affordable option for something hand-tailored? For the record, I'm a size 18 neck, but a 36 pants (most 18 necks seem to be made for someone with a pants in the upper 40s.)
Janet: Thomas Pink in McLean has a large selection of slim-fitting shirts. They also have a store on Connecticut Ave. in the District. Have you tried there? Also, take a look at their Web site.
Bethesda, Md.: All-knowing Gurus, does anyone know which theaters are offering midnight showings of "Borat" tonight? Many thanks!
Jen: There are midnight showings of the movie at theaters around the country. But from what I've seen, there aren't any locally. (Please correct me if I've missed a place that is doing a midnight show tonight.)
, "Borat" is only opening on 800 screens nationwide this weekend, much fewer than a typical big opening. (Usually a wide release debuts on close to 2,000 screens or more.) So there aren't as many places to see it locally in general. I think that will change when it opens wider.
McLean, Va.: Hi GOGs! I've asked this question in other chats and it never gets answered, and I'm not really too sure where else to ask, so please help! My Irish friend's parents are going to be visiting DC at the beginning of next year (with 8 of their friends)and they've asked for my help finding a suitable hotel. I'm really unsure of what hotels in DC would be appropriate. They should be nice (3 or 4 star?), in a central location close to monuments and metro, and not exorbitantly expensive or anything. Do any hotels come to mind? Thanks!
Fritz: If they're Irish, there's always Jury's, which is right on Dupont Circle. It's an Irish chain that's very popular with visitors from the Emerald Isle, and even has a pub (Biddy Mulligan's) on the ground level. Phoenix Park Hotel, over by Union Station, is another nice one.
I'll be in D.C. for the weekend -- is there a bar that I can count on to be showing the Bears/Dolphins on Sunday?
Fritz: I'll take it you're not rooting for the fish.
Uptown Tavern in Cleveland Park has a bunch of flatscreens, crowds in Bears jerseys and, most importantly, a framed photo of Ditka. What more do you need?
Alexandria, VA: Submitting early so I don't forget! This is more of a comment than a question, but I strongly recommend that anyone looking for something to do Sunday afternoon make their way over to RFK Stadium for the DC United playoff game. The game kicks off at 4, and the atmosphere truly cannot be topped, even by the Redskins. If you do come, wear black!
Fritz: Rhome and I were there last weekend, jumping up and down with the Screaming Eagles, and we'll be back on Sunday.
Don't miss the official afterparties, either -- cheap beer and free food. Last Sunday's was at the Pour House.
Hi friends! Saw the quick mention and description of Adam's Morgan Design Days this weekend and it sounds great. Do you have any other info or insights to share? Is it worth going, what can we expect? Thanks so much!
Janet: Hard to say what can expect, since it's the first time they've done it. But I think it sounds like a pretty fun thing to do, especially if you enjoy browsing and eating. What's not to like?
Could you suggest a fun place for me and my fiancee to go to for before-dinner drinks in the Metro Center/Chinatown area? Is Rosa Mexicano a good option?
Erin: If you're sticking to drinks, Rosa Mexicano can make a good margarita. Otherwise, I'd opt for mojitos at Cafe Atlantico, a table at the bar of Zola or even the lounge of the new PS 7's. I didn't find the food at PS 7's to be worth its own trip, but the lounge and some of the drinks make it a swell pre-dinner stopping point.
Washington, D.C.: Any idea if there's a public transportation way to get to Annapolis from D.C.?
Any suggestions for good, quiet, relaxing restaurants in Annapolis that are not too expensive?
Fritz: Outside of weekday (Mon-Fri) rush hours, no, unless you take the very, very roundabout way of going to BWI (via the Metro shuttle from Greenbelt, or Amtrak) and then grabbing a Anne Arundel County bus to Annapolis.
Good restaurants in Annapolis: Rockfish, Kyma, 49 West (if there's not a live band). Personally, I'd rather hit Boatyard Bar and Grill -- great seafood and a real boater hangout.
Silver Spring, Md.: I'm apparently way behind the times -- I recently learned that Yanyu closed and was replaced by an Italian restaurant. Has it reopened elsewhere, or am I out of luck?
Erin: Sadly, Yanyu is gone. Its replacement, Dino, offers great wines if you're looking to drown those sorrows.
D.C. United: hey gurus - I'd really like to go to a D.C. United game - is there anything to know besides that I should buy a ticket online and wear black? There's not a chance that ticketmaster will decide to stick me in the opposing team's fan's section or something, is there?
Fritz: There's some dispute about where the Revs fans will be. Last week, the Pink Cows had a section all to themselves in the upper deck, which worked out well for everyone.
Pittsburgh, PA: Well, here I go again and I hope this time I have success! My boyfriend and I spend a lot of time in D.C. and tend to frequent the same places to eat and unwind, Martin's Tavern in Georgetown (we LOVE Ben the bartender), Red Sage, etc. We are in our mid 50's but still have a lot of vitality and we would like a place where we could dance. Seems like all of the places we have researched all play music for the younger crowds. We like classic rock and music from the 60's and 70's. Last time I made this request someone suggested contacting a "hand dancing" club. That's not exactly what we had in mind. The perfect venue would be a bar where we could cozy up, have a drink listen to some music and maybe dance.
Rhome: Hand-dancing is great fun but if you dig classic rock then I guess it's not for you. I always wish I had more options to suggest when this question comes up because I'm really against the idea that as you get older you're not supposed to shake it anymore. The old heads (a term used with affection) at the salsa clubs are often the smoothest cats and most stylish ladies on the floor. I have a dear friend who has grown children older than me who is often still on the floor at the house clubs at 4 a.m. when I'm throwing in the towel (I see you C-Breeze!). If not salsa, if not hand-dancing then I'd suggest blues and R&B at New Vegas or multiple swing dancing options . As for the exact music you seek, something tells me there are more options in the 'burbs than in the city but I'm less knowledgeable about them. Can anyone chime in?
Washington, D.C.: Hi gurus, I guess this is more of a technical question, but here goes. I know that past chat transcripts are available to read. I want to know if there is a way to go to the Washington Post Web site and search within the chats for a specific topic or name. For example, I was looking for the recommended tailors that have been mentioned in previous chats. I would hate to have to re-submit the question to all of you when it has already been answered. If this search feature is not available, is there any plan to have one? Thanks.
Julia: Hey D.C. -- Good question. The tailor question comes up nearly every week, so you should be able to find this information just by searching in the box at the top of our homepage.
I went to the search box, typed in "got plans tailor" and got
. You could also always search in City Guide for
If this doesn't answer your question, ask us here! Hope this helps!
Fall at the Beach: I'm heading to Ocean City tonight for a long weekend. We will be doing Punkin' Chunkin' on Saturday, but any ideas for something "different" to do tomorrow or Sunday morning? We'll probably stop by the outlets in Rehoboth and do one of the state parks, but I was wondering if anyone had any other off-season suggestions?
Jen: Honestly, I would skip the outlets. Those are the same stores you can go to at virtually any outlet mall anywhere. Instead, I'd suggest visiting the shops in Rehoboth, on and around the boardwalk. A lot of them stay open in the off-season and are much more fun for browsing. Plus I like supporting independent retailers, as opposed to the Lennox Factory Outlet.
If you have the bulk of an afternoon to kill, you could take the ferry to Cape May and walk around there for a while. In Ocean City, there's also an indoor Old Pro miniature golf in case you have the desire to putt but prefer to stay where it's warm and toasty.
There are a few hair salons that give free or cheap haircuts to people willing to be models for student stylists. Is there anything similar for massages or other services in a day spa? Even just places with cheap massages would be helpful. Thanks!
Janet: I haven't heard of anything like that. Anyone else? Word to the wise: a cheap massage may be just that.
Arlington, Va.: I want to get tickets to the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, and they are being handed out first-come, first-served starting at 8 a.m. Saturday (max four per person). I can't find any recommendations about how early I need to get there in order to get tickets. I've seen recommendations to get there early, but does that mean 7 a.m. or 4 a.m.? I won't go if I have to get up at 4 (it's just not worth it), but I don't want to drag myself our of bed at 6 a.m. only to waste a perfectly good Saturday morning if I would still be too late to be able to get tickets.
Anne: If you decidedly want to be at the National Christmas tree lighting , I would drag yourself out of bed well before 6 a.m. on Saturday. Tickets will be gone by the end of Saturday morning, and people will actually start lining up on Friday night and camp out for the tickets. How throwback, huh? The Park Service still keeps it old school: no online ordering for this. Personally, because I despise the cold and waiting outdoors in it, I don't need to be there at the moment the prez throws the switch. Remember, the tree is lit all through December, and you can go sans ticket on any other night. Also, there are many other tree lighting events (Capitol holiday tree, suburban town events) where you don't need a ticket in order to see the lights go on. Check back later in the City Guide and we'll have more of these holiday events for you.
Rockville, Md.: You guys ever been to a Rock-n-Romp show in Silver Spring? They have regular bands playing for adults and their kids. It's not kids music, but it's a kid-friendly environment. Where else can adults take kids for live music that is NOT kids music? I don't want Barney, etc. Thanks.
David: My band actually played at a Rock-n-Romp show in September and it was tons of fun. Well-organized, kids running around everywhere, banging on mini-drum kits, playing in the sand, beer for the adults, hard to go wrong. The last RnR show of the season was last weekend, but there are rumblings that there will be some indoor shows over the winter. You can keep up to date at their Web site . As for other kid-friendly, non-kiddie music, Iota sometimes has all-ages matinees, but I don't see any on their schedule right now. Millennium Stage is always a good option. Dan Zanes is at Strathmore in a week or so, doing the "cool" kids music thing. Keep tabs on the Pancake Mountain Web site for info on their tapings and how to get involved in those.
Washington, D.C.: Where is there going to be coverage of the Election? Are there bars in town that will cover it? I am looking to bring out a big group to watch the results. Thanks!
Fritz: Practically every bar on the Hill will have the results on, and places like the Hawk and Dove and Capitol Lounge will be so full that it's hard to get to the bar to get another beer. (Hawk Ale: $3.25 all night!) We have some suggestions in the Nightlife Agenda column, and I'm working on a longer post for our blog.
Midnight Movie: I think Fandango was listing Georgetown and Gallery Place as showing early morning viewings of "Borat."
Jen: I've checked our movie info, as well as Fandango's, and I'm not seeing "Borat" screenings at either place until tomorrow.
Arlington, Va.: Headed to Cirque du Soleil this evening and would like to grab drinks and dinner before the show. There will be about 7 of us. Any recommendations? Thanks!
Erin: There is so much in the area. In order of my preferences: Zaytinya, Matchbox, Acadiana and Marrakesh are all close and work well for an early group.
Re: Annapolis Restaurants: The best place is definitely Cantlers- the crab house on the water!
Fritz: Oh, I agree. Stupendous crabs. But if you're looking to get to Annapolis via public transportation, as our questioner was, Cantler's isn't really that accessible.
Kensington, Md.: Hi there, Your suggestions are always so helpful...I hope you can help me, thank you
I need ideas for a nice place for preferably a buffet style Sunday brunch or a nice lunch at a restaurant with a private dining area for about 20 people who will be in town for my daughter's baptism. I need something close by if possible in Bethesda,Rockville area. Thanks very much.
Erin: I'd look into Mon Ami Gabi , Red Dog Cafe , Mosaic Cafe or Praline Bakery .
Arlington, Va.: Hi gurus. I went to a great Halloween party at RNR bar on 6th street. The "Bridezilla" theme that caught your attention turned into a great party. That place is decent and with lots of flatscreens looks like it would be good for watching sports too, a major upgrade from Coyote Ugly. They had great drink specials and people were having fun. This was my first time there, but haven't heard much about it before. What do you all think of the place?
Fritz: Glad the party was a success -- I went to the first version at Zucchabar a few years ago. RNR is a good place to watch the game on a Sunday, especially if they're still doing those $1 draft beers during NFL games. Plenty of flatscreens for the games.
Washington, D.C.: GOGs, Any idea when and where the Nutcracker is going to be in town? Thanks.
Anne: You can get 'cracking with this list of performances, which we'll keep adding to as the holiday season nears. The big ones are the Joffrey Ballet at the KenCen around Thanksgiving time, and then Washington Ballet -- here's hoping it can finish the run this year -- at the Warner in December.
Arlington, Va.: Love the GOGs!! Hope y'all can help me out with a fall fun question. I was hoping to hit up an apple orchard this weekend but thought if I could add on a winery visit at the same time that would be stellar! I've looked through the fall stuff in the city guide but didn't see any mention of this combo...maybe they just don't mix?
Julia: They mix, honey! Go to Tarara Winery . It's not like a super-orchard or anything, but they have apples to be picked and wine to be tasted. I had to go out there for a TV shoot a few weeks ago and snagged a few apples on my way out. Delicious! Try the Meritage wine, while you're there. I think it's a reserve wine and may cost a little bit to taste, but it's my favorite of the Tarara wines.
Bebo: What's the attire situation there? Is the standard nice jeans/cute top/heels uniform ok for Saturday night?
Erin: The jeans uniform is definitely more than ok at Bebo . The place is family-friendly with a kids' menu, so you don't need to snazz up. Last night's crowd had sneaker-clad parents with strollers, decked-out businessmen and everything in the middle.
The food is delicious, but arm yourself with a bit of patience for dealing with service issues. I have been pretty amazed at the severe rudeness from the hostesses during my visits. I think they ought to be reminded that a) they work in a Crystal City restaurant, not an invite-only Parisian lounge and b) courtesy is part of the job description.
Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.: Hi Gurus! I know you probably won't answer my question (you never do) but I have a friend in town and want to pack as much fun into our Saturday as possible. We'll start off with brunch and end the night with the Monuments at moonlight and then drinks in either Penn Quarter or Adams Morgan, depending on our mood. Should we do Eastern Market or the shops on U. Street? Thanks!
Fritz: Dude, I'm answering your question right now.
I'd do both: Market Lunch for pancakes, browsing through the flea market and Capitol Hill Books, then grab one of the 90-series of buses, which run up to Adams Morgan via U Street.
Re: United Fan...: ...apparently you have never been to a Redskins - Cowboys home game.
Fritz: I have. And I'd still say there's a better atmosphere at RFK for a game against New Jersey: Singing, dancing, jumping up and down for 90 minutes. If you haven't tried it, there's no time like the present.
Washington, D.C.: Hey Gurus -- we're thinking of checking out some local music tonight -- any thoughts on Rock N' Roll Hotel as a music venue, and on tonight's bands (headliner No Second Troy, Down Dexter, the Starlingtons, and Gone By June)? Thanks!
David: I like the Hotel, I think it's very nicely filling what was a sorely needed niche as a mid-sized music venue, holding 300-400 people, a bit bigger than DC9/Velvet Lounge/etc, but smaller than Black Cat/930/etc. And we always support going out to see local music. My favorite of the bands you listed is the Starlingtons, who play excellent old-fashioned country/folk/bluegrass. Sort of an outlier on that bill, but variety is nice.
Alexandria, Va.: Moving to Alexandria and I'm looking for an indoor (or outdoor) soccer league to join in the area. Any co-ed or women leagues you know of? I'm looking for something fun to do once or twice a week that's not super serious.
Borat at Midnight: Midnight technically does have a date of 11/03/06, but you probably would not go to bed tonight before that.
Jen: That's true, which is why I checked both dates. Still not seeing anything in the 12 a.m. hour. Everyone may have to hold out until tomorrow night. I realize that's a long time to wait to see two hairy, naked guys wrestling onscreen, but it's a price everyone may have to pay.
Hi Gogs, Which bridal salon in the area has the best selection of bridesmaid dresses? My sis/maid of honor is coming to town for one weekend only and I want to be able to find the "maids" dresses while she's here. Thanks!
Janet: There are several David's Bridal stores in the area. The closest one to you I think would be in Rockville.
For the person looking for NYC-like shops in D.C., Alex boutique on Eye Street reminds me a lot of the boutiques one finds in Soho. I love their selection and they definitely have NYC prices.
Janet: Thanks for that suggestion. Alex is cool.
Birreria Paradiso: When does this Monday beer tasting thing begin? Can you arrive late and still take part? Any other info besides what is in your nightlife agenda?
Fritz: First, a quick suggestion: We don't put every ounce of info (starting times, cover charges) into the Nightlife Agenda column, because there's not always room. If you click on the hyperlinked name of the event/band/DJ, you'll get our City Guide record, which has more details.
The beer tasting series at Birreria is a little early for my liking, as it kicks off at 6 and runs until 7:30. You can arrive late, but you might miss out on a few beers, and you won't get the commentary/tasting notes that are the reason you're dropping $60 in the first place.
I'm still waiting for Birreria's Thor Cheston to send me a list of the beers for Monday's tasting. If it comes in, I'll post it.
You can get student massages at the Potomac Massage Institute.
Janet: For the person ISO student massages, here's your answer.
Silver Spring, Md.: My husband and I were thinking of trying an early morning walk at the zoo on Saturday. Any place in Woodley Park or Cleveland Park where we could get a good breakfast, or even doughnuts and coffee (other than Starbucks)?
Erin: Open City does breakfast and some pretty good coffee. Up the road, you can get bagels in Cleveland Park. I haven't seen many donuts around those parts, though.
Arlington, Va.: OK, so after checking Fandango, I see that Friday November 3 has a 12:00 a.m. show listed at several theaters, including Potomac Yard. Technically, this means a midnight show tonight, but is that really what it means? It could easily mean tomorrow night at midnight (which is technically the 4th but part of the 3rd's business day). I'm very confused now.
Jen: I see exactly what you're seeing, and I believe those are midnight shows on Friday night/Saturday morning. If they were for tonight/Friday morning, they would be listed at the beginning of the day's schedule as opposed to the end.
Also, in the good, old-fashioned print version of the movie directory, the theaters usually hype up midnight screenings. And I see nothing about "Borat" shows in today's paper either.
Potomac Massage Training Institute offers student massages for $35 (but you'll be watched by teachers and students), and graduates' massages for $50, still cheap by Washington standards.
Janet: More on massages by students.
Washington, D.C.: Election night viewing places--For those searching for election night activities, the major political parties sponsor events. Just contact the local party that you are affiliated with and they should be able to direct you to events on Election night. Otherwise, local places on Capitol Hill always have election activities going on.
Fritz: Good point. But having gone out and covered several election nights for washingtonpost.com -- including the last two presidential contests -- I have to say that the bars are invariably more fun than the "official" bashes. Younger, louder, less stuffy.
Washington, D.C.: Do you guys know of any public transportation to Great Falls? I have access to a FlexCar, but if public transport is available, I'd rather take that. Thanks!
Julia: Sorry, hon. If you're going to the Virginia side , you'll have to go Flexcar on that one. The closest Metro is probably East Falls Church and it's a HIKE!
We thought you might be able to get to the
by taking Montgomery County's Ride On bus, but the bus's Web site said that it was impossible. Anyone ever done this?
I'm driving to Annapolis on Saturday but I can't find much on good local restaurants or shops. What would you suggest to kill a few hours wandering around?
Janet: There are lots of antiquey shops on Maryland Avenue which are fun for browsing. Also, West Street has a couple of shops as well and they're a bit off the touristy track.
U Street, Washington, D.C.: As someone who lives here I'm not biased or anything ...but U Street is a MUST for out-of-towners. It's truly DC. The shops are funky ... and so are Ben's and the Florida Ave Grill. Do stop at one or the other for refreshment (Ben's has great milk shakes ... ). Or, if you want more 'upscale', the Love Cafe will knock your socks off.
PS The bus is BRILLANT - so glad you mentioned that.
Fritz: Agree with you on everything but Love Cafe. Just can't get into it. Don't forget Oohs and Ahhs, either.
For something more upscale, I'd hit Saint-Ex or Bar Pilar, which have pretty good weekend menus.
Pancake Mountain: Would I look like a perv if I went to a pancake mountain "dance party" taping since I don't have kids? It would still be pretty cool to have seen Built to Spill so up close!
David: I don't know if perv is the word, but I think we can at least settle on sketchy. Still, as far as who can attend, the PM folks on their Web site say, "Anyone from 5 to 50 (actually older then 50 is fine, it just sounds cool to say it that way) as long as you plan on dancing," so I guess technically you'd be OK. Don't you have a niece or nephew or cousin or something?
Columbia, Md.: Where would you go in the DC area for a celebratory dinner for two, NON-romantic, price (mostly) irrelevant? Preferably a place with impeccable service, you know, somewhere where they'll suggest wines without being snotty & not correct your pronunciation, etc. Not Italian, not sushi.
Erin: How about Ray's the Classics? It's swanky and delicious, but there aren't any frills attached. The wine list is impressive and Michael, the owner, has thoughtfully selected some affordable labels.
Dupont Circle: Can you recommend a good happy hour for Thursday in Dupont? I'm sick of Lucky Bar.
Fritz: Have you been to Porter's? Smaller, but not wall-to-wall. There's always the $20 "all you can drink" happy hour at MCCXXIII, or the martini hour at Ozio.
The Burbs: Greetings -- as a newly returning resident of the D.C. 'burbs -- is there a list on the Post Web site (or anywhere else) of "100 Must Do Things in D.C."? or something to that effect? I'd love to get out and experience all of what D.C. has to offer.
Anne: Welcome back, 'Burbs, and I like your sentiment. We haven't kept such a list, because it would forever be changing. I like to think that the places and events featured on the City Guide main page show you that list of the moment, whether it's the weekly Nightlife Agenda column or this month's theater picks or a blog post about a significant collection of local art , just for example. But maybe we could (together) compile one today. Chatters, what's on your D.C. Top 100 list?
Arlington, Va. : Good afternoon oh great Gurus,
Problem: 30th birthday is December 31st. I would like to have a party, but my apartment is too small.
Is there a non-New Yearsy venue that would be happy to have 30-40 birthday celebrants take over what would otherwise be a slow night?
Fritz: A slow night? On New Year's Eve? That's one of the highest-grossing nights of the year, according to most industry sources.
Arlington, Va.: Are there any decent places to get wings around here? (D.C. or VA suburbs)
I am craving Buffalo Wild Wings but the closest location is Fredericksburg!
Erin: Here's my list: Urban BBQ , Buffalo Wing Factory in Ashburn, Tonic, Hard Times, Old Ebbitt and 51st State.
The Aveda Institute has spa services that include massages. I've never tried it, so I don't know what kind of skill their students have, but I'd like to check it out.
Janet: Good suggestion: Try the Aveda Institute for a student massage.
Burke, Va.: For the carless person wanting to go to Annapolis. You can rent a car at National Airport for $30+/- a day. Probably cheaper than the hodgepodge of transit via BWI--and you'll have more time to spend in Annapolis!
Fritz: Yeah, but then you can't indulge in Rum Runners at Pusser's or the pint-sized rum drinks at Boatyard. That's kind of a downer.
Any nice day spas in the Hanover/Arundel Mills area?
Janet: Do not know much about it, but there's Robert Andrew Day Spa .
Vienna, Va.: Following up on the earlier Rock-n-Romp question, here's a kid-friendly show that's not kid's music: Los Straitjackets and The World Famous Pontani Sisters at 2pm on Sunday, November 12 at The Barns at Wolf Trap.
David: Yes, that's a great one to take the kids to, Los Straitjackets are mucho divertido. For slightly older kids, they might have fun at some of the general admission dances at the Barns, like the Grandsons or Buckwheat Zydeco. Those are in the evening, and there probably won't be too many kids, but it's never too early to start rockin'.
Don't forget Pink November (on U St NW and in Georgetown) and especially Stella Blue on H Street NE. Stella Blue has the best value in my book of all the places you listed ... same funky/quirky stuff with lower average prices and more sale items. I imagine it's the lure to come waaaay off the beaten path to shop.
Janet: Don't forget Stella Blue and Pink November for D.C. shops. Thanks.
N.W. D.C.: Jury's & Phoenix Park for the Irish? Fritz, nae offence here pal, but surely recommending those two hotels for Irish visitors is akin to telling an American about a great little B&B on O'Connell Street...called the Marriott.
Fair enough, a surprising number of UK/Irish visitors to this country "need" their pint of Guinness, Premiership updates and ten a ten deck of B&H to stave off the homesickness, but there's no need to send them to an Irish hotel.
I'd say the Omni Shoreham up at Woodley Park or the Swann House B&B on 17th & New Hampshire as a couple of alternatives.
Fritz: Okay, sorry. Swann House is a beautiful B&B, but rates are over $200 a night for the nicer suites, and it would be a nice trick to get eight people in there at once.
Bidding For Travel, a site I like to use for Priceline research, is shows people have recently won rooms at the Madison for $80 a night, the brand new (and really well kitted-out) Palomar in Dupont for $95, Georgetown's Melrose for $85, or the Omni Shoreham for $120. I'd take any of those, and maybe the Wardman Park Marriott if something good came up.
Top 100 list: #1 GO SEE BUTTERSTICK, then dinner at Two Amy's
Anne: #1, 2 -- can I hear a three?
Go check out www.affordablemassage.com they have a location in Alexandria and are AWESOME and Inexpensive. I have had way better massages here for half the price of Elizabeth Arden. Steve is the best!
Janet: A fan of affordablemassage.com.
AU Park, Washington, D.C.: I am a new mommy. Our baby is turning 2 months soon! I was wondering if there are any activities for parents with their babies in the city. Any resources out there for weekly updates on this question would be greatly appreciated.
Julia: You might get a kick out of Reel Moms . A new mommmy friend of mine met a bunch of new moms by going to the Georgetown one while she was on leave.
Jen: I agree with Julia, Reel Moms is a great idea. Plus it allows you to see a new movie and not feel completely left out of what's happening in the pop culture world.
I don't know of too many activities for moms and infants quite that young. But you might want to post a query just like this one on the D.C. Urban Moms Web site, if you haven't already. I posted a question there recently and got a lot of very helpful responses, so fellow moms might be able to help you out with some ideas. Good luck.
Bethesda, Md.: Red wine and chocolate are good for you. How cool is that? Anyplace in town I can indulge in healthy behavior by consuming these 2 substances?
Erin: A few wine shops, like the Curious Grape, offer tastings of both from time to time. Otherwise, indulge in truffles and wine at Cafe Atlantico.
Silver Spring Sports Bar: We just moved to SS from Arlington and we are, believe it or not, missing Crystal City Sports-- decent bar food, and a million TVs showing all the football games. Is there anyplace like this in Silver Spring so that we can make it our regular Sunday football haunt? I heard good things about Quarry House, but it's CLOSED on Sundays. (Silly.)
Fritz: Galaxy, a pool hall on the main Silver Sprung! drag, has about three dozen TVs and is open on Sundays. Haven't been to McGinty's for NFL, but they have a lot of flatscreens in the upstairs bar.
The Stained Glass Pub is another good one, though it's north of downtown.
Re: WH Christmas tree lighting: About the tree lighting - I've gone 2 of the last 3 years and tickets have always been available at the gates to get in a couple hours ahead of the actual lighting. They aren't in the best sections, but if you're looking for an alternative to waiting in very long lines on a different day, it might be worth a shot.
Anne: Thanks for your first-hand advice!
NON-romantic, impeccable service: My pick would be the Palm. Festive, delicious, fantastic service.
Erin: Good thought. I agree that steakhouses are generally good non-romantic destinations, but I like to avoid chains when possible.
Seriously? David's Bridal? I've been in 8 weddings and that place is infamous for making people cry. I'd try Elle's in Old Town or the store next to Pacers in Clarendon. Also, Ann Taylor has a line of lovely formal wear out that can actually be worn again. However, wherever you look, you should also check out netbride.com where you can order a lot of dresses for money off.
Janet: For the person in search of a lot of bridesmaid dresses, here are some options from a chatter.
Tip for the leaf seekers: Whether you're afraid of Skyline Drive crowds or not, check out the country roads. They offer more variety and great picturesque scenes.
One good one on the way to Skyline middle entrance is VA 647 off 66 and toward Washington, VA.
Julia: It's always a good idea to take the small roads on leaf-viewing adventures. Never done 647 -- thanks for the tip!
Arlington, VA: Hi Guys -- what's the best dive bar along U Street for a Saturday night out with the guys? Busy but not overly crowded, draft beers on tap, maybe the game is on, juke box is playing rock and roll and maybe there is a pool table or dart board?
If not U Street, then where else in close-in DC?
Fritz: Cue Bar would be my first choice -- has everything you need, plus drink specials, a half-dozen pool tables, ping pong and projection screens.
Solly's wouldn't be bad (I'm working on a review), but there's no pool.
I think Rosalin's Bridal in Falls Church has a great selection of bridesmaids dresses, much better than David's, and the prices there are great (better than the same brands at other local shops).
Janet: Another place to hunt for bridesmaid dresses. You're bound to find one you like now.
Chinatown, D.C.: Fritz, great review of Town Hall in Georgetown. Thinking of checking it out sometime. What's the feel/clientele like during the week? Thanks much!
Fritz: Thanks. It's a little slower than on weekends -- very local crowd who seems to know its bartenders by name. Thursdays are a little crazier with the Smith Point overflow.
For Indoor Soccer Person: There is an indoor soccer place in Springfield/Annandale. I think it's called Fairfax County Sportsplex, or something like that. Everyone I know who is into indoor soccer plays there! FYI - the place has no A/C, so the air is always kinda stale (for people with asthma) and you should just forget it in the summer!
Fritz: Thanks. I knew we could rely on you guys.
Halloween crowd handling in Georgetown: Can you or anybody else help me vent about the lousy job the police did Halloween night? They corralled all the pedestrians on M St. into a four-foot-wide space. I understand wanting to keep pedestrians out of the street, but why so narrow? The street was entirely empty for a while as they closed off vehicular traffic to tow parked cars.
Jen: I can't comment on the job the cops did, but I saw news coverage from Gtown that night. And it definitely looked like sardine-time on M St.
Did anyone else see Will Thomas on Fox attempting to host a costume contest? It was hilarious. He kept saying "Okay, move along," so people would walk more quickly by the camera. Then he just started gently pushing people to get them to go faster. It was the most rushed Halloween parade ever.
Washington, D.C.: I was not able to take my two 7 years olds trick or treating. What do you suggest I do with them this weekend? No so much as wearing costumes, but more so for kids fun.
Erin: I wonder if that was a universal theme this weekend. Our office is busting at its seams with all of the candy that people didn't give away on Halloween.
You could take them to Imagination Stage, the Multicultural Book Festival or the Zoo's Asia Trail.
Science Club DJs: I just found out from a co-worker that Anoushkah (sp?) Shankar was spinning at Science Club earlier this week! How can I find out about these surprise DJs - I thought I was on their mailing list? Did anyone catch her when she was in town?
Fritz: Science Club spins this kind of surprise on us all the time -- DJs who aren't announced via mailing list, or on the Web site, and we don't even get a friendly call to let us know what's up. Kind of an odd, ESL-like marketing strategy, if you ask me.
Re: New Years BDay: You could always try places with side/back rooms (IE: Murphy's of DC.) If you plan on bringing your guests earlier (than say 10pm) you may be more likely to reserve an area in a pub/bar that isn't going all out for NYE.
Thursday Happy Hour: I've started going to CLOUD's happy hour on Thursday. It's open bar from 6-8, but you have to print off a pass from a web site with obnoxious music! (Don't those web-site creators know we are at work!)
Fritz: Wait, is it from Mad Power Unit? Who are STILL playing Nick Cannon and R. Kelly's "Gigolo" after all these years?
Those guys throw some great happy hours, but they need a Web site do-over.
Soccer question: Indoor/Outdoor soccer seeker:
coed soccer league that plays outdoor from spring through fall (outdoor season wrapping up) and is now playing indooor at South Run in Springfield.
Barra Brava, RFK: I don't think the ticket mavens will be placing DCU fans in 328, which is where the Revs fans are rumored to be placed. Yes, you should wear black, United fan. If you go through the official team site to get tickets I would not worry about where you are placed in relation to the opposing section.
Fritz: I actually saw on the message boards that the Revs will be up in the 400s, so don't worry about where you're sitting -- unless you want to get in with the supporters groups (Barra Brava, the Eagles, La Norte). Just know you'll be expected to jump and sing.
Washington, D.C.: Not really a going out question, but do you know anything about a Whole Foods (or other grocery store) planned for the Gallery Place area? I heard this was in the works, but I can't find anything about it. Thanks!
Julia: I believe the final word on the Balducci's in Gallery Place is "off again" -- check this story for the full details -- but you never know. With so many people moving to those condos, I can't imagine that a grocery store won't go up sort-of soon, but this is Washington....
New Year's Birthday: So there aren't any places that won't have a New Year's Eve crowd? That makes me sad.
Erin: I guess I don't get it. Have you successfully found places in the past that are New Year's-free? There are definitely going to be dive bars that nobody else will think of. How about one of those?
If not, can't you pretend that all revelers are there as fringe guests for your party?
Otherwise, you might want to consider having a friend with a party space host at his/her place or changing your birthday.
Thanks for taking my question. I am going to see "The Bluest Eye" at the H Street Playhouse (1365 H Street, NE) and am wondering if you could recommend a good place for dinner before the performance? We have pretty adventuresome tastes and would like something in the mid-price range.
Fritz: I like the Ohio Restaurant on H Street for good, filling soul food. There's an African restaurant down by 14th Street that I've heard good things about but (still) haven't visited.
U Street dive bar?: I'd suggest Stetson's. It's got the darts, pool table, foosball, and cheap(ish) beers. Maybe not exactly a "dive", but not fancy. Especially upstairs.
Fritz: Another option: Stetson's is a solid local bar.
U Street: Have any of you been to Pumpkin Chunkin in Delaware? Is it worth the drive?
Anne: I have not driven to Delaware to smash pumpkins. Is there a special event in the First State that is different from what's closer by? Since this is the last weekend for pumpkin festivals at a bunch of area farms, it shouldn't be too hard to find places willing to chuck some gourds. This weekend is the big Pumpkin Madness (squishing) event at Cox Farms . Another road trip, this one in a westerly direction, would take you to Great Country Farms .
Coming to Washington: Hey, former DCers running away from the kids for a weekend in the city. We'll be attending a play in the Dupont area on Friday night, but were wondering if they are any decent places to grab a good beer or glass of wine as we make our way back to upper Conn. Ave. We're not into the lounge scene but at that time of night maybe looking for good restaurant bar that won't be jam-packed around 10:30-11 p.m. Thoughts?
Fritz: Firefly and Urbana would be my top two choices, especially for wine. If it's romance you're after, then head for the Tabard Inn.
Dupont, D.C.: Hi GOG's, is there any good specialty chocolate stores besides Godiva and Lindt? Looking for something new to give to the honey.
Erin: Absolutely. Out in Virginia, Artfully Chocolate, Artisan Confections and Kingsbury Chocolates are superbly delicious. Dean and Deluca has a thorough selection of different chocolates. Downtown, Chocolate Chocolate might be a good bet.
Friendship Heights: Any word on when Sushi-ko will open in Friendship Heights? I can't wait!
Erin: I wouldn't hold your breath for an opening before 2007. It's amazing how things are blowing up in your neighborhood, huh?
Does the Reef still do a cask night on Thursdays? Their web site is always out of date, so I'm never sure what to expect when I go there.
Fritz: It's not quite a cask night right now -- they're bringing in one-off kegs of rare Belgian beers. Last Thursday was McChouffe, which was amazing and complex (and 9+ percent alcohol). Haven't heard about tonight's selection yet, but I'm sure there's something good.
Posh Supper Club : Went to Posh and had a lot of fun. Food was great (had the crabcakes), and my cocktail had Pop Rocks on the rim of the glass. While Tom S. found the film clips intrusive, I thought they were fun and different. I can't think of anywhere else in D.C. that does that. Just my two cents on Posh... rock on Gurus.
Erin: I feel like other places in D.C. don't do it because it detracts from the food and Posh, well, might need that distraction.
You can see movies on the Lucky Strike lanes. Pop Rocks are something that you can get, I believe, at Cafe Atlantico's bar and occasionally in an Oval Room dessert.
Washington, D.C.: Hi Gurus! I was hoping you would let me promote a fundraiser happening tonight at Rumors (19th and M) to benefit the American Diabetes Association. This Saturday, the Spectrum Science Diabetes DeACTIVators are participating in America's Walk for Diabetes and we need YOUR help to meet our fundraising goal. Help us support the American Diabetes Association's ongoing research, education and advocacy efforts that touch the lives of the 20.8 million children and adults who live with type 1 and type 2 diabetes every day.
- $3 Deactivator Shooters 100% of the shooter proceeds will go to the ADA
- Grand Marnier specials all night!
- Prizes will be raffled off throughout the night
- There will not be a cover charge, but donations will be accepted (and appreciated) at the door
Fritz: A reminder that if you're hosting a cool fundraiser at a bar/club, please send the details to us at nightlife at washingtonpost dot com (sorry, bad spam lately). That's how we can get it in the Nightlife Agenda column...
Arlington, Va.: A friend and I want to go to Bebo Trattoria tomorrow night. Do they take reservations? Should I make one if so?
Thanks! Looking forward to it...
Erin: They do take reservations and you should make one. Request a booth or window table.
Vienna, Va.: Plans for the weekend...we want to visit the Zoo to see the Asia Trail Sat. morning. Do you need tickets, and is it always mobbed/long line due to the novelty factor?
Around lunchtime, visitors will arrive at Union Station. Can you suggest a kid-friendly place that we can meet them for lunch after we leave the zoo? Is there anyplace inside Union Station that is pleasant and kid-friendly? Casual, yet not food-courty. Thanks!
Julia: You do not need tickets. The zoo is always crowded on Saturday morning, but if the choice is between going and not going, I'd go. It may take you a while to get up to the glass, but it's totally worth it. Great views of the animals. If that's too crowded for you, you could always head over to the lions or the ape house.
Erin: You can eat at B. Smith's if you're set on dining inside the station. Otherwise, Bistro Bis is close and has better food!
Columbia Heights, D.C.: Since election day is the District's version of Mardi Gras, everyone I know is talking about what bar to watch coverage at on Tuesday. Our first thought was Stetsons, but when I called they said they were doing their usual trivia night. Any other ideas in the Downtown/Dupont/U street area?
Fritz: The manager at Stetson's told me that they're doing the trivia downstairs and election coverage (with sound on the TVs) upstairs, and if trivia is slow, they might expand election night downstairs, too.
Washington, D.C.: Hey gurus - just a follow-up to a question that was posed in early October about your intern position: is the spot still open? I'm an AU senior with a lot of time on my hands and would love to apply if it's still available.
And just as a side note, I think Matchbox should be open on Sunday. I tried to go with my girlfriend after running the marathon but was totally unaware they're only open 6 days a week.
Anne: Great, we're glad you're interested, because as you can tell, we're pretty hard to work with -- and we don't pay you. College seniors, if you want to apply, please send in your stuff by tomorrow. Anyone who will be a college student in the fall, you can apply (for our 2007 summer and fall internships) anytime. Here's all the info .
washingtonpost.com: OK, that's a wrap. Thanks for stopping by. Jagshemash.
Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.
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Every Thursday, washingtonpost.com's City Guide experts share their best bets for local flavor, great dates and family fun. Got plans? Great. Need plans? Just ask.
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The Mall needs a facelift, and the National Park Service wants Americans to recommend a new look for the historic space, worn and tattered by 25 million visitors every year.
A nationwide effort, officially launched today, will begin with a symposium this month and an interactive Web site that will ask people across the country who have opinions on the Mall's 600 acres to register them online. The suggestions will be culled into a report and action plan next year.
VIDEO | Park Service Announces Mall Plans
The initiative is the first time in 100 years that the planning and future of the national space will be revisited.
Officials acknowledge that the nation's front yard does not present a welcoming face.
Tourists often complain about the lack of restrooms, restaurants, visitor information and parking, as well as bald spots on the lawn, rusty benches and cracked pavement.
"We'll be the first to admit, the appearance does not match its significance," said Vikki Keys, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks for the National Park Service.
In addition to attracting millions of tourists and demonstrators, the Mall is also the preferred address for dozens of monuments, memorials and museums. Federal officials have tried to encourage pocket parks and intersections throughout the city as future sites for dozens of projects waiting in the wings, but the quandary is that everyone wants to be on the Mall.
Architects, planners, historians and tourists will be among those asked to suggest a future look and feel for the Mall: Should it be about formal gardens and fountains, or baseball games, gift shops and hot dog stands?
The Mall serves many purposes: It is the equivalent of Paris's fabled gardens of the Tuileries, the political gathering space of Beijing's Tiananmen Square, the open space of London's Hyde Park, the sports haven of New York's Central Park and the museum row of any international city.
Trying to meet all these demands in one space can create a park that is frayed, unable to handle the crowds and not true to its iconic nature.
The Park Service hopes to learn from the public and from the way other cities handle the challenges. At least one city limits public demonstrations to areas with a hard surface, to avoid the stampede that kills the Mall's green space, said Susan Spain, a planner hired by the Park Service to shepherd the Mall planning effort.
The last time the nation formally rethought the concept was in 1901, when the Mall was a stretch of land between the Capitol and the Washington Monument.
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The Mall needs a facelift, and the National Park Service wants Americans to recommend a new look for the historic space, worn and tattered by 25 million visitors every year.
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What if We're to Blame?
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-- James Bryce, "The American Commonwealth," 1888
The problem of American democracy is (of course) democracy. We are on the cusp of an election that commentators have already imbued with vast significance if Democrats recapture part or all of Congress -- or if they don't. But here's something that no one's saying: Regardless of who wins, it won't make much difference for most of our pressing problems. We won't have a major new budget policy, energy policy or immigration policy. The election might not even much affect the Iraq war.
In many ways, the election doesn't matter, and all the hoopla is an exercise in delusional hype. We could blame the prospect of divided government or a bipartisan leadership vacuum; both might promote paralysis. But the deeper cause is public opinion. As Bryce saw, our politicians are slaves to public opinion. Superficially, this should be reassuring. Democracy is working, because public attitudes remain the dominant influence -- not "big money" or "special interests," as many believe.
But it is not reassuring. The trouble is that public opinion is often ignorant, confused and contradictory; and so the policies it produces are often ignorant, confused and contradictory -- which means they're ineffective. The Catch-22 of American democracy is this: A government that mirrors public opinion offends public opinion by failing to do what it promises. People then conclude that the system has "failed."
The election is rightly seen as a referendum on the war. In late 2003, 67 percent of Americans thought that President Bush's invasion was the "right decision," reports the Pew Research Center; only 26 percent thought it the "wrong decision." Now views are split, 43 percent "right" and 47 percent "wrong." But it's public opinion, not the election outcome, that matters for policy. Indeed, it explains why the Democrats lack a unified position on Iraq.
Suppose that the Democrats retook Congress but that the situation in Iraq -- and public opinion -- improved. Then, Democrats would look foolish if they'd promoted a quick withdrawal. Now suppose that the Republicans kept control of Congress and that the situation in Iraq -- and public opinion -- worsened. Then, the pressure on Bush from Republicans to pull back would intensify. Either way, public opinion governs.
Aside from being fickle, public opinion also marches in many directions at once.
Americans favor balanced budgets. But in 66 years of surveys, taxpayers have never said their income taxes were too low, reports Karlyn Bowman of the American Enterprise Institute. A Gallup poll in April found that 48 percent thought their taxes too high and only 2 percent too low. Americans also think government spending is hugely wasteful; 61 percent said so in a 2004 poll by the University of Michigan. But locating that waste is hard. A recent Fox News poll found that only 19 percent favor cuts in Social Security, 21 percent in health care, 19 percent in education and 25 percent for the military.
Or consider energy. Americans crave cheap gasoline. Unfortunately, that increases our oil demand -- which conflicts with our desire to reduce oil imports. Or immigration. A Pew Research Center survey in March said that 52 percent of Americans think immigrants are "a burden because they take jobs and housing." But only 27 percent would require illegal immigrants to go home, and only 40 percent would reduce legal immigration.
Facing such inconsistencies, how can government make sensible policy? Not easily.
Occasionally presidents and congresses get a free pass -- some crisis or event fosters national unity. Bush had such a moment after Sept. 11; Lyndon Johnson had one after John F. Kennedy's assassination; Franklin Roosevelt had one in his first 100 days. Otherwise, politicians can deal with public opinion in three ways: Ignore it, change it or pander to it. Politicians who choose the first often become ex-politicians. The second is hard; among recent presidents, Ronald Reagan did it best. The easiest course is to pander.
Bush and the Republican Congress happily cut taxes, enacted the Medicare drug benefit and praised deficit reduction. Anyone who thinks the Democrats set a higher standard should read "A New Direction for America," the manifesto issued by House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi. It proposes much new spending (bigger drug benefits, Pell grants and veterans benefits), new tax breaks, balanced budgets and no specific new taxes.
It also promises energy "independence" by 2020 -- a popular but (unfortunately) impossible goal. We import 12.5 million barrels of oil a day, 60 percent of our use. No conceivable combination of new fuels and conservation could offset that by 2020. Unsurprisingly, House Republicans also plug energy "independence."
Tell people what they want to hear, regardless of how inaccurate, shortsighted or stupid it might be. That's the bipartisan instinct. In this election, the Republicans deserve to lose, and the Democrats don't deserve to win. Yes, I am a longtime believer in divided government, because it may check each party's worst excesses. But don't expect fundamental changes if Democrats reclaim some power.
The enduring significance of public opinion (see Bryce, above) reflects both national optimism and suspicion of power. Believing that all problems can be "solved" -- even if goals are inconsistent -- we blame government for not accomplishing the impossible. We won't acknowledge choices, contradictions, unpalatable facts. So, many problems persist for years. Throwing the bums out is a venerable tradition, but what if the ultimate bums are us?
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"Towering over Presidents and [Congress] . . . public opinion stands out, in the United States, as the great source of power, the master of servants who tremble before it."
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https://web.archive.org/web/2006110319id_/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/31/AR2006103101129.html
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Sex and the Sinking Candidate
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2006110319
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SEN. GEORGE ALLEN implored Virginians four weeks ago to focus less on personal attacks and more on "the issues" in his race for reelection. Now he has seized on an unlikely one: sex scenes in novels written by his Democratic opponent, James Webb. Now there's a pressing concern for Americans in 2006.
Mr. Allen, a Republican whose campaign professes profound moral shock that actual sex should occur in fiction, has spent months trying to extract himself from his own "macaca"-inspired tailspin. When all else failed -- including an Allen ad in which a woman accused Mr. Webb of misquoting her, although he never quoted her at all -- Mr. Allen apparently decided that what he needed was a sex scandal crafted to smear his rival and timed for the campaign's fourth quarter. Lacking such material in real life, he turned to Mr. Webb's novels, most of which concern the wartime experiences of soldiers and international intrigue. There he found -- horrors! -- sex. And what better place to spread the word than the Web site of Matt Drudge, the online gossip-monger. That ensured the story would be echoed by radio talk show hosts in high dudgeon.
Mr. Allen has spent months disparaging Mr. Webb as a writer of fiction, as if a novelist's experience is any more divorced from everyday reality than the life of a U.S. senator. His campaign suggests that because some female characters in Mr. Webb's books are portrayed as sleazy or servile Mr. Webb must himself see women in that light. Please. Maybe Mr. Allen also believes that J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, takes too soft a line on wizards.
As it happens, Mr. Webb, a former Navy secretary, assistant secretary of defense and Marine company commander in Vietnam, is an acclaimed novelist whose books are widely read. Mr. Allen wouldn't say whether he'd read any of Mr. Webb's novels himself -- only that "I've been reading initiatives and ideas and I'm trying to motivate people and inspire people."
Mr. Allen certainly is an inspiration -- to anyone who believes that political campaigns may be won by diversions and dirty tactics, even as the candidate calls high-mindedly for a discussion of "the issues." Win or lose, he'll be remembered for his performance during this race, and not fondly.
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Lacking a sex scandal to pin on his opponent in real life, Sen. George Allen has found one in Jim Webb's novels. Now there's a pressing concern for Americans in 2006.
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http://blog.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/bashir_goth/2006/10/democracy_not_faith_should_dec.html
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https://web.archive.org/web/2006110319id_/http://blog.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/bashir_goth/2006/10/democracy_not_faith_should_dec.html
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Muslims, Come Out of the Closet
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2006110319
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Somalia/U.A.E. - Homosexuality is prohibited in Islam and the institution of marriage is sanctified. The Koran says that women and men are garments to each other. Prophet Mohammed recommended that any youth who could afford should marry or fast. He also recommended Muslim men to marry fertile women so that he could compete with other prophets with the number of his followers. Therefore, procreation seems to be the main objective of marriage in Islam and it is obvious that homosexuality will not increase the number of the faithful.
It must be said however that homosexuality in the Arab and Muslim world is as old as human existence. The holy Koran narrates the story of Lot and condemns his people's homosexual tendencies as transgression. Even companions of the Prophet who used to be away from their wives while fighting in battles sought his permission to use some of them as eunuchs, which the prophet rejected.
Any violation of a woman's sexual sanctity carries great shame and often leads to honor killings. Pederasty or sex with boys is instead met with no more than fleeting scorn. This shows the Muslim community's inherently lax attitude towards homosexuality despite the religion's stance.
Arab and Muslim governments turn a blind eye to homosexual practices as long as it stays in the dark. But conspicuous punishments wait for those who dare to test the limits of the law. At least on several occasions when gays came to the open and in one case a gay marriage was conducted, they had to face the shame of the community and the hand of law. All Islamic countries rejected the inclusion of homosexuals in the UN committees for HIV/AIDs while they objected to any mentioning of same sex references.
For Muslims, the Koran is the eternal word of God. Neither the change of time nor the advance of knowledge could ever challenge the dictates of the holy text. Therefore, homosexuality let alone gay marriage will remain an abhorrent behavior as long as the Koran remains and the same could be said of all adherents to the teachings of conservative schools of Christianity and Judaism.
The conflict on gay marriage is therefore a clash between democracy and theocracy. As democracy adheres to change and social dynamics, it sometimes causes earthquakes that shatter old values and create new ones. In democracy it is man who writes the laws and not some deity. Accordingly, while homosexuals may hear God's word through their physiological needs, religious men and their political cohorts interpret God's intentions from centuries old scriptures. But who knows on which side God would be if his lordship was at stake in a closely run election in which the gay community were the deciding factor.
By Bashir Goth | October 28, 2006; 8:12 AM ET Previous: Islamists Confront Free Media | Next: Uphold American Values
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/cgi-bin/mt/mtb.cgi/12730
"But who knows on which side God would be if his lordship was at stake in a closely run election in which the gay community were the deciding factor."
Posted by: Cayambe, Philo, CA-USA | October 28, 2006 10:47 PM
Sexual behavior is a universal construct of human nature. It does not 'evolve'. There is certainly variations and adaptations within that construct which results in some variance in social relations, but it otherwise remains the same. It is the 'belief', and that's all it is, that democracy advances human social relations when it more often undermines them. Thus, it is not advancement for sex to occur outside of marriage and for society to presume there are no consequences for sex outside of marriage. The consequences are 100s of billions, if not trillions globally in medical costs for treating STDs. Entire societies in Africa are near collapse due to widespread STD effects. 100s of millions of abortions of fetuses of all terms, causing populations to suffer, as in shortages of women in China and lack of population growth in Europe. As well, it is NOT advancement for women to be able to impregnate themselves from sperm banks from men whose sperm they choose out of a portfolio. Why is this not advancement? Because while the women may have the individual 'freedom' to have a child without a man (except for his seed), the CHILD is denied all the rights and benefits of having a father, including inheritance and child support. In the woman's selfish individualism, she arrogantly denies her child the rights she herself most likely had. Whie this may applicable in rich communities, the reality is the majority of human populations live in poverty and WITHOUT the govt welfare support of developed nations that otherwise offer aid to children without fathers.
If Bashir Goth chooses to frame everything about Islam within chronology=advancement paradigm, he misguides his audience into thinking that human nature is NOT universal rather is changing throughout time. Today, 1400 years after Islam was revealed, parents still favor boys over girls to result in infanticide/abortion (eg. China, India). 1400 years later, there is still FGM, itself a practice 1000s of years older than Islam (eg. found in East Africa). 1400 years after Islam, children are born without knowing who their fathers are ( eg. global). And so on.
Islam recognizes that human sexual behavior is the issue, not the genetic composition of any given person. The social construct is marriage between man and woman as the sole institution for fulfilling sexual needs. All adults have sexual needs. Those needs must be met in a legal marriage recognized universally by all human society. Within marriage, the woman recieves her rights, the children recieve their rights, the society recieves its rights, and the man recieves its rights. In its pure state, Islam recognizes the family as the fundamental pillar of human society and the individual's rights must comply with the interests and rights of the family. In its pure state, democracy recognizes the individual as the pillar of society, and thus the individual supercedes the rights of the family.
If that is so, then humanity cannot survive with pure democracy and pure democracy is antithetical to human nature.
Posted by: usama | October 29, 2006 07:46 AM
Before I'm wrongly attacked as being a misogynist, men too utilize their individual "freedoms" to the detriment of others by engaging in sexual conduct irrespective of consequences, such as multiple partners, including homosexual partners, irrespective of the spread of diseases, causing chaos, suffering, and enormous expenses (men being the primary vectors of HIV throughout the world).
Again, pure democracy opens the doors of numerous detrimental consequences to human society and the individual. While democracy diminishes the legal boundaries of sexual conduct, this opens the door to greater manipulation of sex by capitalist entrepeneurs, hence the massive sex slave trade and porn industries. As well, in many poor nations, children and women are sold into sexual slavery since prostitution is legalized (criminal enterprise is too widespread for many govts to control such oppression within the framework of democracy and capitalism). So in democracy, while men and women are granted greater rights over their individual sexual behavior, men are more inclined to oppress women for their sexual needs through prostitution, sex slavery, and pornography, the massive 100 billion dlr industry and growing. Ultimately, the legal rights of individualism superceding the family opens the door to greater capitalist manipulation of human sexual behavior resulting in widespread global degregation thereof.
To be fair, the issue of women's rights has been championed in some democratic societies (eg. Japan still lags behind). But those accomplishments can be matched according to Islam while still maintaining the family as the pillar of society.
And this is a major theoretical dilemma for secular democratic societies: championing individual rights without jeopardizing women and children to the manipulation and oppression by men (eg. prostitution, sex slavery, pornography, dessimination of STDs) and the collapse the family concept.
Today there is no society representative of Islam, while there are many nations representative of democracy and capitalism. So the onus lies with those secular democracies to resolve the many complex fundamental crises (failure of repopulation, pandemic or STDs, disproportionate population growth, widespread degregation and oppression through porn, prostitution, sex slavery) that arise out of the implementation of the concept.
Posted by: Usama | October 29, 2006 08:18 AM
One more thing, again there is no society representative of Islam, so Mr Goth's Arab society commentary is idiomatic, not ideological, since Arab societies are no representative of Islam.
In contrast, America IS the champion of democracy around the world. And America SHOULD be held to task for the conditions of those societies that are democratic capitalist which America favors. If America has not solved the fundamential crises plaguing democracies under its umbrella, has not presented fundamental resolutions to these crises with concrete reconstruction which enables human dignity and prosperity, than the onus and judgement lies against America and democracy as the savors of humanity.
Posted by: usama | October 29, 2006 08:28 AM
Moreover, the American people tend to look only at their own nation as representative of democracy and ignore their inherit global obligations. In every presidential election, candidates direct people's attention to America alone. But once in office, every administration is bogged down in global crises and their successive failures to resolve major global issues, specifically those issues mentioned previously in democratic nations. This phenomenon demonstrates that America IS responsible for democracy and its consequences around the world.
Posted by: | October 29, 2006 08:35 AM
It is patent from reading the comments above that, bottom line, Islam is utterly incompatible with democracy. One can slice and dice it any number of ways, but the reality is that the West, in adhering to democractic ideals, however differently or imperfectly expressed, is at risk by and from Islam. The sooner people realize this reality, the better off we all will be. Those who value freedom and the rights of the individual will have to see Islam for what it is: A tradition that is antithetical in every way to notions of individual liberty and self-determination.
Posted by: Andrew, Los Angeles, California | October 29, 2006 11:31 AM
Actually Andrew, your ignorance of Islam and America is no shield against your responsibility for America's record.
America demostrated time and time again that America is not in support of self determination- WHAT YOU SAY IS NOT EQUAL TO WHAT YOU DO. For decades, America supported dozens of dictatorships. America has supported Machiavellian relations with numerous regimes to support division and repression.
You've demonstrated that America supports suppression of rights in order to secure American capitalist interests. This has been demonstrated for decades in America's relations with Latin America and the Middle East. America has supported repressive regimes to enable American capitalist interests in the Persian Gulf and supported repression in Egypt of over 70 million people to live under emergency martial law for over 20 years and not a peep from anyone in American power. Ultimately, the greatest opportunists of America's foreign policies has been American capitalists. Here's the reality: Islam is in total agreement with transparent governance, govt accountability, checks and balances between executive, judiciary, and consultative/parliementarian bodies. Islam is supportive of advocacy, media, and opposition parties to address government. Islam supports the rule of law and adjudication- placing all men accountable to law and not above it- and explicitly supports innocence until proven guilty. Islam supports equal representation before the law of all sexes, races, religions, and liberties of speech (aka public protest against govt, social institutions when injustices are done), expression (truthful journalism and literature and expression by oppressed) and so forth. Moreover, Islam recognizes that when MANKIND is empowered as the sole sovereign lawmaker, it serves to corrupt and oppress people, as demonstrated by the GOP congress. The American Congress has essentially done away with Habeus Corpus and supports torture, just like the Egyptian govt. Generations of corrupting law has been compounded so that now, America is becoming weaker internally and the American presidency is growing in power and resembling the dictators of Latin America and the Middle East.
The symbol of secular democracy, America, has been the most violent and disruptive over the past 6 years than any other nation, supporting coups in Indonesia, Haiti, Venezuala, overthrows in Iraq, Afghanistan, and aiding changes in Eastern Europe and Asia, supporting 2 wars as well as military conflicts in Colombia, Congo, and elsewhere. AIDS is a global pandemic, global poverty is widespread and reaching the majority of the world's population, pollution is so pervasive as even obvious scientific studies like global warming are denied by greedy business backed GOPers, and on and on. The issue here is the role of secular democratic capitalist nations towards the rest of the world. Imperialist America has much to be accountable for.
Posted by: Usama | October 29, 2006 01:35 PM
"Imperialist" America does indeed have much to be accountable for, and it's continued support of oppressive, anti-democratic regimes is not only glaringly hypocritical, but highly immoral. Also, to claim that Islam is "utterly incompatible" with democracy is absurd; theocracy, or fundamental religiosity in general are incompatible with democracy. Fudamentalist Christianity, right in the heart of America's social and political fabric, is inherently anti-democratic. It seems equally hypocritical to suggest that there are many societies representative of democracy but "there is no society representative of Islam." There may be no pure Islamic theocracy, as the USA is not a pure democracy, but there are CLEARLY societies REPRESENTATIVE of Islam. Many of the tenets of Islam as revealed in the Koran are highly compatible with, and even implicity democratic. However, men fail Islam, just a men fail Christianity, and Judaism. Our societies do not reflect faith alone. Faith is only one element of human existence. The inherent conflict between those who feel that {their} faith ought to be the most important element in constructing and managing a society, and those who do no, is not something that can ever really be resolved.
Posted by: Ryan, Buenos Aires | October 29, 2006 02:26 PM
So the son of the so-called Islamic scholar now writes about God as if he were a politician needing the votes of Gays! Bashir do you consider yourself a Muslim? Do you approve of homosexuality? Are you gay? Your article sure makes you open to the idea.
Posted by: Sudi, Mogadishu, Somalia | October 29, 2006 05:34 PM
It is not coincidental that homophobia in Islam is similar to what is found among fundamentalist Christians or Jews. Islam, whatever Muslims may like to claim to the contrary, grew out of the Judaic tradition and shares many of the same myths, practices, and prejudices including covering up of women, male circumscicion, the kosher-halal axis etc. There are significant differences of course.
As for democracy and religion - lets get this straight - No religion is compatible with democracy. None. The rights accessible to a man and woman today in some of the progressive democracies are much more than ever tangentially expressed by any religious book. So lets not get too hung up on thinking about compatibility of Islam with democracy using religious books. The problem of course lies in adherence to whatever is said in these religious books. Like Bible, lessons from Koran, are not fit for modern society. If Christians in Europe had relied on Bible, they would still be in Medieval ages. Christians in Western Europe have moved past the theoretical and philosophical inconsistencies of religious books and gone ahead and forged systems based on more defensible and equitable systems. Muslims will need to do the same some time too - leave the baggage of 1400 year old history behind - take the nice elements by all means but stop defending the indefensible.
Posted by: John | October 29, 2006 09:38 PM
Perhaps it is wrong to think that there will never be a line of Islamic jurisprudence that doesn't reject gay love.
I looked thought the first link to Islam online. The "reasons" for 'homosexual' perversion are so far-fetched by modern standards that it is hard to see that a good scholar couldn't put them aside fairly easily. The story about Lot has long been interpreted not to be about homosexuality, per se, but about hospitality.
This leaves the family and the role of the family in public morals. For this, the sages all seem to be talking about people leaving their wives for lust. Gay people aren't _leaving_ people; they are finding each other. Lust is a separate concept. As for 'garments', it is possible to see that 'complimentary' doesn't have to be exclusively the results of biological procreation.
Painting the issue as democracy-v-theocracy is almost pure politics, IMO, meaning that it seems just a rhetorical device to use widespread prejudices to keep the mullahs in power in certain places.
Groups like al-fatiha help gay and lesbian Muslims in the West. Someday, maybe, a gay Muslim can be Chairman of a great corporation or an honest civil servant, and we all can see that it is fine to celebrate our differences, when they have such wonderful outcomes!
Posted by: RDJRDJ, Princeton, NJ | October 30, 2006 01:36 AM
To respond to the very first comment:I'm pretty sure that the phrase "universal construct" is an oxymoron. If the norms of sexual behavior have been "constructed," then they can be deconstructed, reconstructed, and conceivably put together in a million different ways. I understand that the difference between traditional American individualism (which, obviously, fails all the time on both governmental and human levels) and the so-called Muslim commitment to community seems too great to be surmounted--one philosophy seems to value a single person (the self) while the other values the overall wellbeing of a larger group. But what are the valuable components that make up that larger group? And why do indiviualists value the individual at all? I think the answer is that there is something unique and precious in every person, and so a society, which is not made up of homogeneous parts, has valuable elements that thrive when living in close communion with other members of that society. I fail to see why responsible same-sex behavior, any less than heterosexual behavior, is such a risk either to American individualism or non-western societies. Wouldn't a community-based society want all of its constituents to be happy, healthy, and free from discrimination? Maybe I'm misunderstanding some fundamental concept of community-based societies? You'll note I'm avoiding reference to holy texts, mostly because all holy texts of whatever religion have provisions that have fallen by the wayside (that chapter in Leviticus says something like we should stone our mothers if they mix the fabric in their garments, for example. whoops, polyester).
Posted by: Ali, Bangkok, Thailand | October 30, 2006 04:25 AM
It is the plague of many people to attack the person instead of discussing the issue. Sudi, you better debate the issue instead of being personal and taking the easy way. Attacking the person instead arguing the idea shows is intellectual bankruptcy.
Posted by: Farah, Hargeisa | October 30, 2006 07:04 AM
Mr.Goth, your MISLEADING and HYPOCRATIC article reminds me the "Stanic Versus of Salman Rushdi".
Your dam article reflects how ignorant you are about the rules and regulations of islam which save guards the human morale and values in all aspects of life. Moreover, it throws you out of the islam boundaries as you discrgracefully compared His Almighty Allah with the immoral politicians who seek to gain election votes at any cost.
I hope that from now on, you shall be defined as one of the worst islam enemies second to Salman Rushdi.
I was told that you are the son of well known sheikh in Borama, but, it is only Allah who gives the guidance of the righteous way to the man.
Posted by: Ali Hassan, Riyadh | October 30, 2006 08:14 AM
Why do you consider the questions (Bashir do you consider yourself a Muslim? Do you approve of homosexuality? Are you gay?) an attack? If Bashir Goth is ashamed of being gay or at a minimum pro-gay then he was attacked but according to his writing he seems to be for Gay Marriage. Questioning him the way he is questioning Muslims is open minded and anyone who has thin skin and cannot take simply questions should not be writing any opinion pieces let alone controversial ones like Bashir's.
Posted by: Mohamed Hussein, Mogadishu, Somalia | October 30, 2006 08:28 AM
I'd like to clarify the following.
Marriage in Islam is literally a contract between 2 people (man and woman/women) that can be broken. It is not a sacrament.
To conclude the marriage contract, religious authorities are in theory not required to "bless" the marriage.
Posted by: Karim | October 30, 2006 10:40 AM
Who is this contributer Usama? Can I please have his email for a few questions? Thank you
Posted by: Raza, Philadelphia, USA | October 30, 2006 01:58 PM
"Even companions of the Prophet who used to be away from their wives while fighting in battles sought his permission to use some of them as eunuchs, which the prophet rejected."
Can the writer or anyone who understands, please elaborate on this sentence. Where in the link "eunuchs" can we find anything that supports what the author is attempting to tell us here.
Posted by: Adam, Alexandria, USA | October 30, 2006 02:40 PM
The here issue is not whether homosexuality exists--all species have such tendency--but the issue is about acceptance of such practice in the respective societies they live in. Every society has homosexual population that includes doctors, engineers, congressmen and women and all that you could think of, even clergymen and women. So what is the fuss? Did you really think seriously and asked yourself whether you have such tendency----that thing you may be suppressing? Ask your friend, your uncles and aunts, or maybe even your father and mother, if you dare to, whether they ever have experienced such tendency or even tested it in their lifetime. Some reports have shown that a very high number of college students have engaged same sex act at least once in their lifetime. Boarding schools, including even those in many third world countries, and others likewise reported practices of homosexuality. People are people, created by the same creator, and even you Mr. Usama, may need to explore more of yourself, instead of attacking the messenger. You will be surprised!!!! You are fighting the wrong war. May be you should take a trip to places like San Francisco. It may help you open your eyes and help you weigh on things in a little more critical way of thinking. Try to think and reason. It will help you grow--mentally that is. You could disagree with people without attacking them.
Posted by: Guess, USA | October 30, 2006 06:00 PM
I think Mr. Goth confused the meaning of that hadith with what he wrote.
The hadith simply meant that the prophet regarded marriage as an important aspect of Muslim life.
Posted by: Karim | October 30, 2006 06:09 PM
I kind like suspected that something was off but didn't want to react before giving the author and his supporters another chance to clarify.
Again Mr. Goth, please tell us which hadith in the link that supports your claim that..."Even companions of the Prophet who used to be away from their wives while fighting in battles sought his permission to use some of them as eunuchs, which the prophet rejected."
Your input is highly appreciated.
Posted by: Adam, Alexandria, USA | October 30, 2006 08:40 PM
Excellent question. Bashir will never clarify that misleading statement because it was an artfully constructed misleading one. Readers were supposed to leave with the impression that the companions of the Prophet asked him if they could "use" eunuchs (i.e. commit homosexual act with "them"). His link to the hadith was supposed to convince the readers he had proof of the above insinuation. But careful readers have read the hadith and obviously it had nothing to do with homosexuality.
Again I can guarantee you Bashir will not clarify that sentence but some of his supporters will try to explain it away. Bashir we are all waiting for you explanation.
Bashir would never last a day at a respectable academic institution because he uses anecdotes as proof. Please provide data to support your blanket accusation of Muslim societies.
Posted by: Mohamed Hussein, Mogadishu, Somalia | October 30, 2006 10:16 PM
I'm always amazed that among the Islamic populace any Muslim who tries to provide Americans some insight into the religion is denounced as being "unfit" to explain it. Many Muslims who try to present their faith, or any elements therein, as compatible with tolerance are labeled "not representative of the true faith." Clearly, Bashir is just telling us what he sees, and does not attempt to act as emissary or mouthpiece for God. Fundamentalists, relax! I got such a chuckle out of the respondent who asked if Mr. Goth was gay! (Where does he get his rhetorical tools? The 3rd grade playground?) If Mr. Goth wrote about women's rights, would the reader question his gender? Perhaps I'm too Westernized to understand anything anymore, but it seems to me we could invest in schools for critical thinking that would reduce violence, intolerance, and hate that stems from intolerance.
Posted by: Andrew, Washington DC, USA | October 31, 2006 12:41 PM
The Lot story has always bothered me because it was preferable for Lot to hand over his daughters to be raped than to have the angels sodomized. I notice that none of the men here have commented on that. It is so much worse in Islam to be gay than raped?
Posted by: Elizabeth, Houston, USA | October 31, 2006 02:45 PM
There is more violence in America against homosexuals than in many Muslim countries. I can recall few gays who were murdered in the last few years in the US, am I wrong?
It is just that many Westerners think they are the most liberal in social issues but in fact they are not. Some Western nations are, some are not (US is definitely one of the most conservative western nations). Some Eastern nations are much more liberal and more accepting of gays (Thailand for instance).
Below is just one small example to show you what I am talking about:
Juan Goytisolo is, in case you didn't know, openly gay.
Of course you will find Muslim countries or communities who are less tolerant of gays but it is more complicated than the usual ignorant bigoted accusations leveled at all Muslims of this planet.
Posted by: Karim | October 31, 2006 07:07 PM
The Lot story in the Koran is the same as the Gomorrah and Sodom story of the bible.
Posted by: Karim | October 31, 2006 10:21 PM
Several guys have asked Mr.Goth to present the Hadith of the Prophet where he rejected his companions to use some of them as eunuchs. If these people only followed up the links provided by Mr. Goth they would have found it as I did myslef. But they are people dominated only by emotion. The hadith which I culled from the place cited by Mr. Goth is the following:
Bukhari LXII 6:9 [Narrated by ibn Mas'ud:] "We used to fight [in battle] together with the Prophet, peace be upon him. There were no women with us. We said: O Messenger, may we treat some as eunuchs [a laa nastakhsii]? He forbade us to do so."
Posted by: Hodan, London | November 1, 2006 05:16 AM
It's amazing that a 1400 year old book of fiction dictated by a desert bandit can still incite such hateful passion against the West.
Usama, where would your world be if it hadn't been for the Westerners who invented vaccines, antibiotics, modern agriculture? Unfortunately, we also invented the internal combustion engine and discovered oil under your godforsaken sands.
And now, because of our pluralistic, open societies, BECAUSE OF OUR GENEROSITY, you religious nuts are free to use our technology and take our money, to live within our borders and breed like rabbits (as the Prophet directed you), while claiming that WE are the greedy and hateful ones.
Throw away that book of superstitious nonsense.
We are all brothers, and open, pluralistic societies as we have in the West are the only ones that are compatible with world peace.
Posted by: PJ, Washington DC | November 1, 2006 08:40 AM
It's amazing that a 1400 year old book of fiction dictated by a desert bandit can still incite such hateful passion against the West.
Usama, where would your world be if it hadn't been for the Westerners who invented vaccines, antibiotics, modern agriculture? Unfortunately, we also invented the internal combustion engine and discovered oil under your godforsaken sands.
And now, because of our pluralistic, open societies, BECAUSE OF OUR GENEROSITY, you religious nuts are free to use our technology and take our money, to live within our borders and breed like rabbits (as the Prophet directed you), while claiming that WE are the greedy and hateful ones and justifying bombings and other acts of mass murder on the basis of 50 year old perceived injustices like the creation of the state of Israel.
Throw away that book of superstitious nonsense.
We are all brothers, and open, pluralistic societies as we have in the West are the only ones that are compatible with world peace.
Posted by: PJ, Washington DC | November 1, 2006 08:44 AM
"Islam supports equal representation before the law of all sexes, races, religions, and liberties of speech..."
Is that why a Moslem woman requires two male witnesses to confirm a rape? And can be "divorced" with three phrases? And can be beaten, stoned, etc. with full judicial approval?
"Thus, it is not advancement for sex to occur outside of marriage and for society to presume there are no consequences for sex outside of marriage..."
Men have been doing it since the dawn of time, in one guise or another. And will continue to.
Now, women are choosing to have have sex, and children, out of wedlock for the same reason men have chosen to be promiscuous, "marry" multiple wives, etc. for the past 7,000 years.
And we will continue to control our fertility, and our sex choices, as men have, for the forseeable future.
As Goth notes: "Therefore, procreation seems to be the main objective of marriage in Islam and it is obvious that homosexuality will not increase the number of the faithful."
The result, of course, is that gender issues become proxy for sexual power trip issues.
This is why the family is the "pillar of society," an arrangement that works quite well for men, but leaves women (and oft-deserted children) in the dust.
In Moslem societies, men "marry" multiple partners, and the resulting overproduction of children get little attention from fathers.
In Western societies, men divorce women, and children get shoved aside. What's the difference?
Moslem attitudes towards gays have not been colored by the same power-control lens that colors male-female relations, because the stakes are not so high where men enjoy total control over selection and access to sex partners.
In Western societies, men object to gays far more stridently (women generally don't care either way) because gays pick and choose male partners according to the same standards that men pick and choose women.
And that's a shoe men of all creeds live in terror of seeing shift to the other foot.
Posted by: Solange | November 1, 2006 09:07 AM
Thanks for clarifying that. The link provided by Mr. Goth doesn't have that hadith you pasted.
I however found it here:
This probably explains why Muslim societies have been historically more tolerant of homosexual behavior than many Western nations.
In my opinion, Islamic theology restricted/regulated more relations between men and women for the purpose of making sure that children are born into families.
Posted by: Karim | November 1, 2006 09:11 AM
Posted by: Karim | November 1, 2006 09:24 AM
Andrew said: "Perhaps I'm too Westernized to understand anything anymore, but it seems to me we could invest in schools for critical thinking that would reduce violence, intolerance, and hate that stems from intolerance."
What an irony! The most violent nation in the world, USA, investing in schools for critical thinking that would reduce violence? First heal thy self and stop your wars of aggression for example your war on and occupation of Iraq.
Posted by: Mohamed Hussein, Mogadishu, Somalia | November 1, 2006 10:20 AM
Please don't lie. The source of Islamic hadith is not a website run by LGBT Muslim Ring. The actually Bukhari Hadith is
Volume 7, Book 62, Number 9: Narrated Ibn Masud:
We used to fight in the holy battles in the company of the Prophet and we had no wives with us. So we said, "O Allah's Apostle! Shall we get castrated?" The Prophet forbade us to do so.
There is nothing there about "may we treat some as eunuchs" or as Bashir claimed "Even companions of the Prophet who used to be away from their wives while fighting in battles sought his permission to use some of them as eunuchs, which the prophet rejected."
As I predicted before Bashir was caught in a falsehood and he will not defend his statement. He will have someone called Hodan (maybe that is his nickname or pen name) give out false hadith info.
Posted by: Mohamed Hussein, Mogadishu, Somalia | November 1, 2006 10:41 AM
"4 witnesses are required to accuse someone of adultery."
As well as rape. And if the four "witnesses" are not available, the woman is charged with "adultery" and stoned.
It appears the women of Darfur could shed more light on this topic.
You may want to visit www.islam-watch.org for more clear explanations of your religion.
Posted by: Solange | November 1, 2006 10:44 AM
"4 witnesses are required to accuse someone of adultery."
As well as rape. And if the four "witnesses" are not available, the woman is charged with "adultery" and stoned.
It appears the women of Darfur could shed more light on this topic.
You may want to visit www.islam-watch.org for more clear explanations of your religion.
Posted by: Solange | November 1, 2006 10:45 AM
Again you keep repeating your own bigoted views and lies.
I have posted the answer from an Islamic scholar and obviously you tell me to take a look at some neo-Nazi website that feeds your hatred and ignorance.
You initially said 2 witness but now it has become 4?
4 witnesses are required when someone accuses someone else of adultery (consensual sex outside marriage), not rape. Rape obviously often occurs when no witnesses are present.
This is what the scholar wrote:
"A raped woman is a victim that must be treated with honor and kindness. She is not required to produce four witnesses to prove the crime done against her, nor is she punished for the crime done against her. "
This is a neo-Nazi blog, so please take your rubbish somewhere else where it can be appreciated.
Posted by: Karim | November 1, 2006 12:03 PM
This is NOT a neo-Nazi blog
Posted by: Karim | November 1, 2006 12:04 PM
I am not familiar with Mr. Goth background, but I don't think it's right to accuse him of using another nickname without any evidence.
Although I am not opposed to gay rights (you will agree that gay people cause us no harm whatsoever), I don't support Arab/Muslim commentators who approach these issues from a western point of view which is not understood by our people.
Notice how most of the west believes alcohol is OK but not soft-drugs (many of which have been used in our countries for centuries). As such, if some Muslim country decides to make Alcohol illegal, there will be all kind of condemnations (joined by these commentators I am talking about), however making other drugs illegal is fine and dandy. In fact, in Morocco (where I come from), the EU and the US have been pressuring the government to put an end to the centuries old cultivation of cannabis in northern Morocco while at the same time increasing alcohol exports to Morocco.
Anyways, back to the subject,
I noticed that the same hadiths are translated differently so I will try to find the original Arabic versions. Would know of a link in Arabic?
Posted by: Karim | November 1, 2006 12:23 PM
"Again you keep repeating your own bigoted views and lies."
Do you seriously suggest that women are not beaten, stoned, raped, "divorced" into poverty, and otherwise abused after being raped in Moslem societies, today?
Do you seriously suggest Moslem scholars do not advocate for those punishments?
The following report comes from frontpagemagazine.com:
"The Mufti of Australia, Sheikh Taj al-Din al-Hilali, has gained international attention this week by saying that women are generally at fault if they are raped. Speaking to a Muslim audience in Sydney, he explained that rape (specifically, zina, sexual activity forbidden under Islamic law -- a word mistranslated in published accounts of the Sheikh's words as "adultery") is "90 percent the woman's responsibility. Why? Because a woman owns the weapon of seduction. It's she who takes off her clothes, shortens them, flirts, puts on make-up and powder and takes to the streets, God protect us, dallying. It's she who shortens, raises and lowers. Then, it's a look, a smile, a conversation, a greeting, a talk, a date, a meeting, a crime, then Long Bay jail. Then you get a judge, who has no mercy, and he gives you 65 years."
Al-Hilali invoked another Islamic scholar in support of his views: "But when it comes to this disaster, who started it? In his literature, writer al-Rafee says, if I came across a rape crime, I would discipline the man and order that the woman be jailed for life. Why would you do this, Rafee? He said because if she had not left the meat uncovered, the cat wouldn't have snatched it..."
Posted by: Solange | November 1, 2006 01:21 PM
You clearly seem like a narrow minded guy. The website you have mentioned is a an Islam bashing website and thus has its biased clearly shown. Perhaps, you haven't heard the views of Pat Robertson ever about Islam that are so misleading esp. when it comes to women's rights.
Also, it seems like you are just taking a hadith/s from here and there without its proper context and clues. My buddy, you talk about rape and adultery. Islam condemns them very rightly so as they are also one of the seven deadly sins. So where's the difference? My beloved brother, it's in the general good of society to punish the adulterer/who commits rape fully so we don't have the filth in the society. Isn't that the reason for sex offense laws? Islam tells us for severe punishment for these people so we don't have a society where a kid is born with no knowing of his father. Statistically speaking, kids born with fathers and mothers together are more likely to do well in life and school. I hope my points are clear and they will help you open your viewpoints.
Posted by: Umer, Texas USA | November 1, 2006 05:31 PM
When it comes to violence against women there is nothing to suggest that it is higher in Muslim countries. If you have any statistics, please post them.
If I remember well, a study in the US revealed that 1 in 4 college girls is raped or sexually assaulted on US campuses.
Violence against women is still a major problem in the US:
On the issue of the Australian Imam, he is not alone in blaming women for being raped.
In 2005, a poll in Britain revealed that over 1/3 of British blame rape crimes on women:
This is a problem that all nations must fight.
Posted by: Karim | November 1, 2006 10:43 PM
It's not about the rate of rape-related criminal activity, it's about the legal response.
In civilized areas, rapists are prosecuted.
In Moslem-run societies, rape victims are prosecuted.
Examples abound, including in the Koran.
"My beloved brother, it's in the general good of society to punish the adulterer/who commits rape fully..."
Rape and adultery are two very different things, except, as noted, under Islamic law. That fact ties into the subject matter thread of homosexuality by illustrating that Islamic law and cultural practices are based in gender-related sexual spitefulness issues, to which gays are largely irrelevant.
"On the issue of the Australian Imam, he is not alone in blaming women for being raped."
Note that the Imam is not interested in discussing homosexuality, crime, homelessness, poverty, etc. He zeroes in on that which his religion focuses most of its attention on, and affords him totalitarian control over--female sexuality. In contrast, American clerics spend much of their time blithering about gays because gays pose a greater threat to Christian-based ideology.
Posted by: Solange | November 2, 2006 01:15 PM
PJ, with all due respect, America did not create medicine, vaccines, the computer science, aeronautical engineering, nuclear physics, or any of the other things you mentioned. Human beings used their human brains and human thought to develop universal sciences, engineering, and technology. They did not use a German brain, or an American brain. It certainly is an honor for a people to recognize certain scientific and engineering accomplishments from amongst their people. And a people or nation may claim to be the first to develop such and such. But there are scientific and engineering advancements and there are cultural and moral standards.
The former is largely looked upon by all of humanity as universal. Various people throughout time do this or that. Other people take those advancements and build upon them and so forth. No right minded people, ecspecially not the scientists and engineers themselves, think they are the originator, creator, or author of this or that science or physical law. No man has ever created any law of nature.
As for moral standards, that depends on a people. Are those standards conducive to human nature, are they consistent with human intellect? From where do they originate? As I originally said, Islam addresses behavior and that that directly leads to it. That includes the public ideas which promote such behavior. Islam does not legislate on the sentiments, feelings, desires that a person feels ( it does offer counsel and guidance, but not laws regarding feelings). Islam demands that a person act based on profound, insightful thoughts, not carnal desires. So where do feelings come into play in shaping laws? When enough people FEEL a certain way, that makes it okay? Western societal changes in moral codes regarding homosexuality are a result of specific Western societal conflicts: YOUR process of secularization to diminish the power of the church.
Islam does NOT have a church. The power of Islam is in the revelation and the IDEA. And what the West experienced as Christian dogma being incompatible with reality is NOT the experience nor dogmatic conflict of the Muslim world. You cannot PROJECT or FORCE your experience as universal. You certainly do not have the intellectual argument to establish it as universal. So you use FORCE against the Muslim world.
As for Islamic ruling, it is NOT theocracy. It is a unique ideology. Islam has its own standards and heritage when it comes to ruling. The first 30 years of Islam are the benchmark ( all the so called 'democratic' concepts I mentioned were done in the first 30 years of Islam). The Ummaya, Abbasi, and Ottoman eras all basically met the minimal standards of being representative of Islam, though many flaws existed. Various states also met the minimal standard at some points: Sokoto, Mughal, Fatimi, etc. Today, not a single Muslim nation lives up to even the worse era of the Ottoman, Mughal, and so forth states.
It is easy for clear thinking mind to see the world as it interrelates from generation to generation, people to people, idea to idea.
It is a sick thinking mind that rejects the bad side of its own history, turns its back on its responsibilities, berates and demonizes anyone who calls them to account, and grows in arrogance, deceit, hatred. Hilali stepped down in disgrace. What will America do?
So PJ, your insults serve to establish my points. For you to say I should throw away the Quran and follow carnal desires because they are natural and part of modern advancement of humanity, you choose a construct of human sexual behavior. You ignore the consequences of imbalance between individual license and societal harmony. I say to you be my way and to me be mine.
Posted by: Usama | November 2, 2006 01:21 PM
"The power of Islam is in the revelation and the IDEA."
Really? And I suppose the death penalty requirement for apostasy (rejecting the IDEA) is all part of Islam's "unique" democratic ideology.
Posted by: Solange | November 2, 2006 04:12 PM
"The power of Islam is in the revelation and the IDEA."
There's no doubt about it. As Usama has explained brilliantly, I don't know what has kept you from opening up your mind.
Solange: I think if you commit treson in the US, the penalty is your life. It's pretty much the same every where. Where do we differ? Huh!!
Posted by: Umer, Texas USA | November 2, 2006 06:30 PM
Yes, Usama has certainly opened our eyes to Islam's heretofore hidden "democratic" side.
It seems, however, that such a compelling IDEA does not need to be absorbed at the point of a gun. Or, perhaps these "profound, insightful thoughts" do not hold up so well against rational notions of basic human dignity.
Maybe that's why Mohommed's and his henchmen felt compelled to slaughter indigenous men, women and children during the process of forcing this "unique ideology" onto the Arabian peninsula.
Mohommed forbad his bandits from buggering each other, but he had no problem with encouraging them to go ahead and rape and murder tribal women, their families, etc. That's some catchy, heartwarming IDEA.
Homosexuality, you say, was not part of Islamic "uniqueness," but it was certainly no problem for Mohammed to have sex with a 9-year old child, dump his stepson to have sex with the young man's wife, slash a tribal poet's throat as she slept with her infant, for countering the IDEA, etc. etc. etc., ad nauseum.
It seems it's your own IDEA that's based in "carnal desires" as a construct of human behavior.
Vague references that "the other guy does it, too," do not change the fact that your IDEA is simply not compatible with notions of simple human dignity, especially as it pertains to women. Sorry about that.
Posted by: Solange | November 2, 2006 08:10 PM
Whether you like it or not, Mohammed is recognized as one of the greatest leaders/thinkers in the history of mankind.
You claim that Mohammed's men slaughtered women and children, that is simply false.
There is an Arab saying that goes like this:
"Dogs are barking and the Caravan is passing".
Posted by: Karim, USA/Morocco | November 6, 2006 09:08 PM
This mohamed Hussein must be someone sposing the view of the fudamentalist militant impostors in Mogadishu. This guy harbors very rigid views. Lets fights the growing Jadist Islam, which is a twisted power hungary, totalitarian strain, which is currently taking root in Mogadishu. Some of the Mogadishu militants have a link with AlQaeda. We rational and educated Muslims must stop this prehistoric barbarian in Mogadishu. All this supported by Saudi Arabia.
Posted by: hersi | November 6, 2006 11:25 PM
William Styron, whose Holocaust novel Sophie's Choice became a film and an opera, has died, aged 81...
Posted by: Talon Benoit | November 12, 2006 11:50 AM
London-born rapper Sway is to be honoured at the BET Hip-Hop awards in the US...
Posted by: Tyson Blaylock | November 12, 2006 05:40 PM
London-born rapper Sway is to be honoured at the BET Hip-Hop awards in the US...
Posted by: Tyson Blaylock | November 12, 2006 05:41 PM
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Yes, It's Their Human Right
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London, England - This question is upside down, in both moral and logical terms. Instead it ought to read: "Why shouldn't homosexuals be allowed to marry?".
The burden of proof, in other words, should be carried by those who oppose legal and moral equality for homosexuals, not those who favor it. Marriage is a pledge of commitment, of a long-term bond, between two people to stay together, to look after each other, to be faithful to one another, to share costs, incomes and assets. To decide to marry is to decide to make an extra, stronger commitment beyond simply stating one's love, or simply living together. I can see no reason why this should be denied to one category of human beings on grounds of their sexual preferences.
Some respond by saying that marriage is, by definition, between a man and a woman. But this is like saying that nothing should ever be changed from its initial state. That old definition is wrong. So it should be changed. Others argue that marriage is there to protect children. Nonsense: that may be a nice side-effect of the institution, but it is not its essential purpose. My wife and I have no children. Does that mean we are not entitled to be married? Of course not.
It is a simple question of equal human rights. If you want to complicate it, then add an argument of social order and practicality: the more committed couples we have in our societies the better. It makes no sense to deny that extra pledge of commitment to people who want to make it. And "civil unions" or other quasi-marital partnerships are not enough. The right outcome is full legal equality.
Read Emmott's cover article from The Economist here: The Case for Gay Marriage.
By Bill Emmott | October 28, 2006; 12:09 PM ET Previous: Calling the UN's Bluff |
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/cgi-bin/mt/mtb.cgi/12727
"That old definition is wrong."
This one sentence, the crux of Mr. Emmott's arguement, is offered without proof or support. What about the fact that some people do not like the current definition makes it wrong? The presence of homosexuals in society is not a new thing, it is, in fact, as old as western civilization (counting Ancient Greece as the cradle of Western Civilization). If we are changing a definition older than our country, we should at least have a reason for it.
Posted by: Scott Gratisi, Wilkes-Barre, USA | October 28, 2006 04:37 PM
The writer has absolutely no idea what marriage is. He foolishly dismisses procreation as a potential "side-effect" but not an "essential purpose". Marriage and the family are critical to society's future precisely because they are the source of that future. No wonder Europe is dying off!
Posted by: j.a.m. | October 29, 2006 12:00 AM
The writer has absolutely no idea what marriage is. He foolishly dismisses procreation as a potential "side-effect" but not an "essential purpose". Marriage and the family are critical to society's future precisely because they are the source of that future. No wonder Europe is dying off!
Posted by: j.a.m. | October 29, 2006 12:01 AM
The writer has absolutely no idea what marriage is. He foolishly dismisses procreation as a potential "side-effect" but not an "essential purpose". Marriage and the family are critical to society's future precisely because they are the source of that future. No wonder Europe is dying off!
Posted by: j.a.m. | October 29, 2006 12:02 AM
In response to Scott Gratisi, I gave a very strong reason why the definition of marriage is wrong: that it conflicts with our subsequent adoption of the principle of equal and universal human rights, a principle at the heart of America's foundation, indeed. In response to j.a.m, who says I don't know what marriage is. Not only do I resent that absurd insult, but also his observation is illogical. Yes, marriage is beneficial for the family and families are essential for society's future. But that does not logically require marriage to be reserved exclusively for that purpose. Let us have it as a splendid way for couples to express their commitment. Then, that commitment can lead to other beneficial outcomes, including children cared for in secure families, and to happy, socially stable, homosexual couples. Oh and by the way Europe is not "dying off". It's population is rather larger than America's and will continue to be so. America's almost-replacement-level fertility rate is matched in France and Sweden too.
Posted by: Bill Emmott | October 29, 2006 06:04 AM
Why shouldn't polygamy be allowed also? Or sibling marriage? Christians and Muslims have experience with the former - note Mormons as well as present-day standards allowing up to 4 wives in Arabic countries. But never has there been a blessing of same-sex unions in any major religion. Why couldn't a brother and sister marry - isn't it the same discrimination that disallows this that also has disallowed same-sex marriage? Sure, why not allow men to marry men and women to marry women? Why not open the door to everyone to marry anyone (or two or three)?
Posted by: RB Mclean VA USA | October 29, 2006 11:01 AM
First, the reason why the burden of proof lies with the proponents of gay marriage is that it entirely lacks historical pedigree. For centuries, it has been categorically banned. Thus, argumentation is required to change that. Second, it is not entirely appropriate to couch the issue in terms of individual rights, since marriage is both a social and a legal institution (another critical distinction which would help the debate). Larger groups are involved in what is of necessity an extra-individualistic activity. Probably the cleanest approach would be to divorce the social and legal institutions of marriage entirely--that way whatever practical advantages from various couplings the polity wishes to promote can be separated from the religious, sexual, and amorous facets of social marriage, which are the source of the complexity and discord over this.
Posted by: Eric, Los Angeles, CA, U.S. | October 29, 2006 03:35 PM
People who imagine that same-sex unions represent something utterly new in human social history are assuming that the attitudes toward homosexuals in the past and in other cultures were much the same as ours. Fortunately, this is not so. Many were far more humane than the modern West has been until very recently and made room for various forms of same-sex bonding. The Greeks, as is well known, regarded these bonds as far more noble than the mundane bond of man and wife. People interested in this topic would do well to read "Same-Sex Unions In Pre-Modern Europe" by John Boswell.
Posted by: John Lear Chicago, Illinois | October 29, 2006 04:38 PM
What a thoughtful approach to this issue. I agree. Why shouldn't homosexuals be allowed to marry? We have gay marriage in Massachusetts and people have seen it has no effect on their daily lives, nor does it denegrade their own marriages. For me, the only impact of having gay marriage equality in the Commonwealth is that two of my best friends got engaged. I couldn't be happier for them.
Posted by: Melanie, Milford, Massachusetts | October 29, 2006 04:42 PM
How can he claim the traditional definition of marriage is wrong without backing it up? If it is wrong, then why should you stop at gay marriage, why not polygamy? It seems he may be angered by the fact he has no children and those of us who keep stating the procreative function of marriage have offended him.
Posted by: Dboc Washington DC | October 29, 2006 07:08 PM
I thought the burden was on the plaintiffs who want the law changed. In any event the secular law can satisfy the demand for universal rights by legislating a civil union. However that doesnt seem to be enough, they want the word 'marriage' involved .
Posted by: John, USA | October 30, 2006 03:11 AM
Dboc has resorted to the typical response of bigotry - musing about how gay marriage could open the door for polygamy. Surprising you didn't mention necrophilia and bestiality like other bigots do when confronted with the prospect of gay marriage. The FACT is, and study after study has supported it, that homosexuality is nature, not nurture - and until bigots do the research, the USA will be stuck in this time warp. And no, the author is not bitter in the slightest. He probably CHOSE not to have children as many others have chosen not to do.
Posted by: Rob, Florida | October 30, 2006 06:38 AM
This is a privacy issue protected by the 9th Amendment of the US Constitution. Those who oppose gay marriage have their nose in other people's business where it doesn't belong. All men are created equal is clear. We of course, include women as well because we are a civilized society. Those who oppose equal human rights should lose the rights they oppose for all.
Where is the right to freedom of religion in this issue? Those who oppose gay marriage are imposing their religious beliefs on others. In America? If everyone would clean their side of the street, the US Constitution and religious community might set an example for the world to respect.
Our right to privacy is a basic human right, for everyone. Perhaps the Golden Rule should be dusted off and posted on every religious door in America.
Posted by: Cincinnati, OH, USA | October 30, 2006 07:52 AM
So, Dboc. What's the answer? Should Mr. Emmott be forced to divorce because of his lack of children?
Is that really where you'd have us go? The forced seperation of ALL child-less couples?
Because if that's your plan I'd say you should go back to the drawing board. And if, somehow, that's NOT what you're trying to say, well then I think you should drop the whole "procreative function of marriage" talk. Either you believe that phrase means something or you don't. Don't use it if you're unwilling to follow through with its ultimate meaning.
Posted by: Virginia, USA | October 30, 2006 11:53 AM
I always find it fascinating when people argue that preventing marriage equality is in the best interests of children and that heterosexual marriage is the only institution that can create children. The number of single and/or lesbian women I know who have had children through donor insemination continues to rise. And the hoops their partners go through to adopt these children in states requiring that process is exhausting. Why wouldn't these people looking out for the best interests of children want them to have two legal parents from birth?
Are we really so blind as to think that gay people don't have children? Really.
Posted by: Pittsburgh, PA, USA | October 30, 2006 02:31 PM
Consider the civil case: the government does have an interest in ensuring rewards and benefits to heterosexual couples, including childrearing and the legal framework for taking care of the other, including the transfer and care of property and estates. This is the compelling case for the government to offer an institution of any kind that is special. That homosexual couples can raise children and care for each other in similar ways that heterosexual couples do suggests that such rights should be extended to them as well. The government also, I believe, has an interest in encouraging a civil union from the point of view of encouraging sex within a framework between partners--less chance for the spread of venereal disease (hetero and homo), and a framework for the care of children in the event of pregnancy (hetero).
Polygamy (homo and hetero) should be discouraged by the government for a number of reasons, not least of which is that it does make the care of estate and property complicated, and further, it deprives lesser suitors of a partner. This may not be bad from the point of view of generating a lot of children (it can), but it does not encourage lesser-able suitors to couple. This is probably not good for society in the long run.
The religious case? Convincing the Vatican about the righteousness of homosexual marriage may be a lost cause a priori.
Posted by: Cambridge, MA, USA | October 30, 2006 06:21 PM
Two consenting adults should be able to enter a committed relationship with all the legal benefits of marriage.
Its that simple, any counterargument hinges on personal religious beliefs that have no place governing the lives of people who do not share them.
Posted by: Yo | October 31, 2006 01:49 PM
I read with delight the article and subsequent posts. What it has re-affirmed in my mind is that a secular state should never be allowed to sanction a practice that by historical and cross-cultural standards has been religious. Recognizing the beneficial social impact of stable relationships, the state should instead sanction civil unions only. In other words, government should get out of the business of marriage and endorse civil unions for all instead. As for marriage, lets keep it where it belongs--in the church. If a religion sees fit to marry same sex couples then that's their prerrogative. But whose legal union the state sanctions is the prerrogative of the state.
Posted by: Gil, New York, USA | October 31, 2006 02:29 PM
Marriage means the intrinsically complementary union of husband and wife. That meaning transcends cultures and faiths and is understood by nearly every human being. It is a social institution, not a creation of government or a legal construct of any kind. Government has no right, power or authority whatsoever to monkey with the ancient and universal understanding of marriage. And while government cannot legislate morality in all cases, surely it must do nothing to promote immorality.
Posted by: j.a.m. | November 1, 2006 11:04 PM
I dont think it is a "proven" fact that homosexuality is nature vs nurture. At best it is a combination.
An interesting question would be , What if they did identify a gene that causes homosexuality ?, If science allowed us to change this gene , would we ?. My bet is many parents would. The homosexual community would decrease drastically. Would it be wrong to tinker and eliminate this gene ?
Posted by: Alex, nyc | November 2, 2006 12:13 AM
This is so silly of course everything that we do is a combination of both nature and nurture, yet that has no bearing on the right to get married. There are many different species of animals including humans, where it is normal to have sexual behavior between members of the same sex, and some could argue that that proves that homosexuality is based on nature, yet how do we know that they are not just responding to something that they learned through observation. Anyway that is a tangent best left to the discoveries of science.
As humanity changes, so shall our institutions. The government has to change with our definitions of marriage. Marriage was based on the subjugation of women. Initially marriage was a property agreement in which a man received a wife to use for comfort, domestic assistance and procreation, in return for a dowry. Now in most places that is no longer the case. Marriage has evolved into a contract between a man and a woman; this contract changes legal matters, including the next of kin, and transfer of wealth. This contract, which is all marriage, is as far as the government should be concerned, should no longer be limited to heterosexual couples. As homosexual couples become more common we must change the laws to provide the best good for our society.
Just my two cents if the government wants to be involved in marriage then it needs to change it as we change. Otherwise there should be no marriage contract for anyone.
Posted by: Ashlee, DC, USA | November 2, 2006 10:21 AM
Enjoying this discussion. This so clearly a human rights issue and as stated previously by others "Why shouldn't gays be allowed to marry". Sorry but the burden does fall on those wishing to restrict it because the U.S. Constitution as I understand DO NOT restrict currently and those that oppose gay marraige are tryin to amend it (th Constitution) so that it will. So the burden of proof is on them to prove its harm to society. Well, lets look at Canada or Europe...nope...no they are not running a muck lopping heads off because gay marriage. Those opposing here and elsewhere use so much presumptive language. Check you assumption at the door when entering a intellectual debate. A debate on this issue purely on the issue absent any religious presumption and assumptions Gay Marraige wins every time. I for one will be sourly disappointed if gay marraige is restricted (please note: I didn't say allowed because it technically is allowed now!)
Posted by: HF,Washington, USA | November 2, 2006 01:14 PM
As a man from China, who have completely adopted the notion of universal equality of all human beings, I find it very strange that homosexual marriage is still an issue in this country. I see no reason why marriage should be a privilege for two people with opposite gender. Gay and Lesbian marriages are as good as straight ones, since many people who are truly in love can benefit from this equality, and the society would have nothing to lose, but much to gain.
Posted by: Mike, Seattle, USA | November 6, 2006 05:07 AM
"It is a simple question of equal human rights."
I agree, everyone should have the same basic equal human rights. Unfortunitly, we are dening people those right. We as a socity should not be allwoed to limit another persons rights just because it conflictes with our own personal beliefs.
Posted by: Elizabeth, MO, USA | November 9, 2006 06:15 PM
Pioneering screenwriter Nigel Kneale, best known for the Quatermass TV serials and films, dies aged 84...
Posted by: Ari Bruno | November 12, 2006 05:40 PM
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CVS, Drug Benefit Manager To Merge
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The transaction, which requires approval from shareholders and federal antitrust regulators, would result in a company with $75 billion in annual revenue and more than 6,200 retail stores in 43 states, including 240 in the Washington region.
The new company would be called CVS/Caremark Corp. and become what analysts said would be the biggest private-sector buyer of prescription drugs, responsible for filling or managing more than 1 billion prescriptions a year.
CVS and Caremark officials called the combination a "logical evolution" in the pharmaceutical industry that could help contain runaway drug costs.
"It gives them leverage over the drugmakers," said Mitchell P. Corwin, an equity analyst for Morningstar Inc. "It's likely to lead to more transparent pricing and keeping prices down."
Other industry experts said the reduced costs might not be fully passed along to consumers and businesses. That would depend on whether the company shares its cost savings or uses them to boost its own profits, said Helen Darling, president of the National Business Group on Health, a nonprofit organization of large employers.
Yesterday's announcement came just a month after Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced that it would charge $4 per prescription for generic drugs. The program, which covers 314 drugs, is being rolled out nationwide and arrived in the Washington area last week.
During a conference call with Wall Street analysts, the chief executives of CVS and Caremark said merger talks began with a dinner conversation a year ago, well before Wal-Mart's announcement.
CVS chief executive Thomas M. Ryan and Caremark chief executive Edwin M. Crawford dismissed Wal-Mart's generic discounts as a "pricing promotion" and said their combined companies would bring more fundamental changes to the pharmaceutical marketplace.
Ryan and Crawford, promising lower prices, said the new company would provide more choices by enabling consumers to use mail, the telephone, the Internet or visits to retail stores to fill prescriptions.
"We'll be agnostic [about] where the consumer fills their prescription," Ryan said.
Pharmacy benefit managers such as Caremark operate drug programs for companies, negotiating lower prices from manufacturers and setting employee co-payments. They also buy drugs in bulk and distribute them by mail order. Employers are increasingly making mail-order plans mandatory to cut costs.
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CVS Corp., the nation's second-largest drugstore chain, has agreed to acquire pharmacy-benefit manager Caremark Rx Inc. in a $22.5 billion deal that would create a company with unprecedented clout to bargain with drugmakers for lower prices.
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A Compound in Red Wine Makes Fat Mice Healthy
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A substance found in red wine protected mice from the ill effects of obesity and extended their life spans, raising the tantalizing prospect that the compound could do the same for humans and may also help people live longer, healthier lives, researchers reported yesterday.
The substance, called resveratrol, enabled mice that were fed a high-calorie, high-fat diet to live normal, active lives despite becoming obese -- the first time any compound has been shown to do that. Tests found that the agent activated a host of genes that protect against aging, essentially neutralizing the adverse effects of the bad diet on the animals' health and longevity.
Although much more work is needed to explore the benefits and safety of the substance, which is sold over the counter as a nutritional supplement, the findings could lead to the long-sought goal of extending the healthy human life span, experts said. Preliminary tests in people are underway.
"We've been looking for something like this for the last 100,000 years, and maybe it's right around the corner -- a molecule that could be taken in a single pill to delay the diseases of aging and keep you healthier as you grow old," said David A. Sinclair, a Harvard Medical School molecular biologist who led the study. "The potential impact would be huge."
The findings triggered excitement among scientists studying aging. They hailed the findings as groundbreaking.
"This represents a likely major landmark," said Stephen L. Helfand, who studies the molecular genetics of aging at Brown University. "This really pushes the field forward. It's quite exciting."
The research, published online by the journal Nature, helps explain a host of observations that have long intrigued researchers, including why French people tend to have fewer heart attacks even though they have high-fat diets and why severely restricting the amount of calories that animals ingest makes them live longer.
"This gives us hope that the idea of harnessing the power of calorie restriction is not a fantasy and can be brought to reality," said Leonard P. Guarente, who studies the biology of aging at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "This could produce a whole new approach to preventing and treating the diseases of aging."
Previous research has shown that laboratory animals fed very-low-calorie diets live significantly longer, which has prompted some people to try arduous "caloric restriction" diets as a possible fountain of youth, even though their effectiveness in humans remains unproven.
In the hope of finding a drug that could harness the natural life-extending capabilities activated by caloric restriction, Sinclair and his colleagues identified a number of promising compounds, including resveratrol, which is found in red wine, grape skins, peanuts and other plants. The compound, which increases the activity of enzymes known as sirtuins, prolongs the life span of every organism scientists have tested it on, including yeast, worms, fish and fruit flies.
To examine for the first time whether resveratrol could also extend longevity in mammals, Sinclair and his colleagues studied year-old mice, which are the equivalent of middle-aged humans. One-third of the mice were fed a standard diet. Another third ate the equivalent of a junk-food diet -- one very high in calories, with 60 percent of the calories coming from fat. The last third lived on the unhealthful diet combined with resveratrol.
After a year, the researchers found that both groups of mice that ate the junk-food diet got fat, and those that did not get any resveratrol experienced a host of health problems, including bloated livers and the early signs of diabetes and heart disease. They tended to die prematurely.
But the mice that received resveratrol remained healthy and were about 30 percent less likely to die, living as long as the animals that ate a normal diet and stayed thin. Preliminary results indicate resveratrol increases their life span by about 15 percent, which is the equivalent of adding perhaps about 10 human years.
Moreover, the hearts and livers of the animals getting resveratrol looked healthy, the activity of a host of key genes appeared normal, and they showed some of the biological changes triggered by caloric restriction. They also appeared to have a better quality of life, retaining their activity levels and agility.
"It is really quite amazing," Sinclair said. "The mice were still fat, but they looked just as healthy as the lean animals."
The researchers cautioned that the findings should not encourage people to eat badly, thinking resveratrol could make gluttony safe. They also noted that a person would have to drink hundreds of glasses of red wine a day or take megadoses of the commercially available supplements to get the levels given to the mice -- doses that may not be safe. Until human studies are done, no one knows whether the findings apply to people.
But the findings indicate that resveratrol or molecules like it could have myriad benefits, and Sinclair has started taking it. Several other researchers on aging said the results tempted them to start using the supplements as well.
"I'm usually a very cautious person," said Cynthia Kenyon of the University of California at San Francisco. "But I'm seriously thinking about taking resveratrol myself. It seems pretty wonderful."
Said Helfand: "I actually told my mother she should take it. I even went out and got her some."
The researchers are continuing to study the remaining living mice to gauge all the benefits, as well as other mice fed a normal diet or a calorie-restricted diet along with resveratrol to see whether the substance extends life in non-obese animals. So far the results appear promising, researchers said.
"This appears to have a lot of potential," said Rafael de Cabo of the National Institute on Aging, which helped conduct and fund the study.
Sirtris Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biotech company in Cambridge, Mass., that Sinclair helped start and that also helped fund the mouse study, has started testing a version of resveratrol on diabetic humans. Other researchers are studying similar substances to reduce the risk of cancer.
"For now, we counsel patience," Matt Kaeberlein and Peter S. Rabinovitch of the University of Washington wrote in an article accompanying the study. "Just sit back and relax with a glass of red wine. . . . If you must have a Big Mac, fries and apple pie, we may soon know if you should supersize that resveratrol shake."
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A substance found in red wine protected mice from the ill effects of obesity and extended their life spans, raising the tantalizing prospect that the compound could do the same for humans and may also help people live longer, healthier lives, researchers reported yesterday.
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Sales of Trucks A Boost For GM
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General Motors Corp.'s sales in the U.S. market grew 17 percent in October, as declining gas prices and heavy incentives lifted industry truck sales.
Overall, major automakers in the United States sold 1.2 million vehicles last month, up 6 percent from the same month a year ago, according to Autodata Corp. Analysts said that the comparison with October 2005, when auto sales fell to their lowest level in several years, made automakers' sales appear more positive this October than they actually were.
Sales of pickups, sport-utility vehicles and minivans grew 15 percent during the month compared with a year ago, while passenger car sales fell 2.9 percent.
Ford Motor Co.'s U.S. sales grew 8 percent compared with a year ago, while DaimlerChrysler AG's sales slipped 3.2 at its Chrysler unit. GM, Ford and Chrysler have been hit hard by the consumer shift to smaller cars over the past year. All have reported steep losses this year. The companies have decreased production and are engaged in wide-ranging corporate overhauls in an attempt to stem losses by reducing costs.
Japanese automakers continued to build U.S. market momentum last month. Toyota Motor Corp. said U.S. sales in October rose 9.2 percent while Honda Motor Co.'s performance was about even with a year ago. Nissan Motor Co.'s sales increased by 3.9 percent.
GM's performance was lifted by a 33 percent increase in truck and SUV sales. Paul Ballew, GM's chief sales analyst, said lower gas prices led to a "partial bounce back" in GM's truck business. He said customer retention rates for large SUVs are climbing back up. "You're not seeing the mass migration out of [SUVs] into cars or crossovers that we saw in the spring," he said.
Jesse Toprak, director of industry analysis for Edmunds.com, said lower gas prices have made people less afraid of buying large truck models. He said escalating discounts on truck models are beginning to entice buyers. He said discounts on small cars are below $700 per vehicle, compared with $4,800 on large SUVs.
"The gas mileage isn't as good, but you get $4,000 in rebates. How much gas can you buy with $4,000?" Toprak said. "The argument works in a lot of situations."
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General Motors Corp.'s sales in the U.S. market grew 17 percent in October, as declining gas prices and heavy incentives lifted industry truck sales.
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Will You See His Movie-Film?
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He held a press conference last month in D.C. He made a special appearance last weekend on "Saturday Night Live." And this weekend, the politically incorrect man from Kazakhstan is coming to theaters ... though perhaps not as many theaters as you might think.
Positive buzz has built around "Borat" -- the road trip comedy about fictional reporter Borat Sagdijev, played by Sacha Baron Cohen on "Da Ali G Show" -- ever since the subversive faux documentary screened at September's Toronto Film Festival. Yet, perhaps surprisingly, the folks at Fox have scaled back the number of screens on which the movie releases this weekend.
At one point, people at the studio were "talking about blowing it out super-wide" across the country, a Fox spokesman explained to me via telephone. (He asked to remain nameless -- fear of offending the good people of Kazakhstan, perhaps?) Now, in an attempt to capitalize on that subversiveness and, of course, continue building the buzz, the movie will open Friday on just 800 screens nationwide. Fortunately, Washington is one of the chosen markets, as are other obvious big cities like New York, L.A., Chicago and Miami. Not to worry, though. You can expect to see "Borat" in a lot more theaters the following weekend. "Eventually, it will be everywhere," promises the Fox spokeman.
But should you care? Is the movie even worth seeing? If you're a fan of Cohen, razor-sharp satire or the sight of two hairy, naked guys running through a hotel, then the answer is yes. There are moments when "Borat" misses the mark. (I'm not a huge fan of scatological humor, and there is, um, a load of it here.) But Cohen deserves major props for having the courage to take his inappropriate act to whatever ridiculous levels deemed necessary in the name of humor (please see the "Borat" rodeo scene for proof). I left the theater, not so much with my belly aching from laughter, but with my jaw slackened in sheer awe.
Borat puts even the "Jackass" guys to shame. After all, most of the Knoxville crew's antics involve merely hurting themselves. With a few exceptions, the only witnesses to their idiocy are their equally disturbed companions and a camera guy. Their behavior is shocking, sure, but somehow safe at the same time. Cohen, in the guise of Borat, literally invites the world into his lunacy. He not only dares to make a flagrant fool of himself in front of others -- and if you think I'm kidding, just watch his behavior at an Alabama dinner party -- he dares to make a fool of any resident of the "U.S. and A" who crosses his path. Throughout this movie, over and over again, Americans willingly walk into his trap and rarely escape without looking, well, like jackasses. To quote a less gifted comedian from a nation near Kazakhstan: "What a country!"
By Jen Chaney | November 1, 2006; 10:30 AM ET | Category: Movies Previous: What's New on the Circa | Next: Sight: City Hall
saw it at a sneak preview. the moviefilm is amazing! I'm going to see it again next week. just hilarious.
Posted by: cah | November 1, 2006 11:49 AM
I can't wait to see this movie, but I am also a fan of his show on HBO. So in a sense I already know what I'm getting into.
Posted by: TMPete | November 1, 2006 02:53 PM
I think Borat is really almost too funny for a full-length film. While his supposed target is Kazakhstan, let's face it, he's a British person mocking the United States. It would probably be less-controversial if he poked fun at himself, such as mocking the UK. There's a fine line between Cohen's Anti-Semitic Kazakh and Mickey Rooney's "Mr. Yunioshi" yellowface performance in Breakfast at Tiffany's. While Borat can be HILARIOUS I think Dave Chappelle had it right, does that laughter come from a good place inside of us or a bad, racist place? When it comes to Borat, after we laugh, a thoughtful person should self-reflect on that.
Posted by: Bethesdan | November 1, 2006 03:01 PM
Will there be any midnight screenings Thurs night/Fri morning anywhere in the area?
Posted by: | November 1, 2006 03:10 PM
Of course I'll see it...dude is hilarious.
Posted by: Alice | November 1, 2006 03:18 PM
Cohen is brilliant, the best satirist of our age, and should shock all viewers into some soul-searching. As a petite, blonde, Jewish woman with light-colored eyes and fair skin, I have been subjected to some extremely outrageous anti-Semitic comments over the years, all from highly educated, dignified, model citizens. Anything that makes us think is all good, totally.
Posted by: Ziporah | November 1, 2006 03:37 PM
This will be one of the few films I will go see this year. Loved the show when I still subscribed to HBO. Hope he makes a film will Ali or Uni.
Posted by: don wallin | November 1, 2006 04:00 PM
I cannot wait to see this Jew.
Posted by: Jagshemash | November 1, 2006 04:09 PM
Jagshemash!I just bought tickets to the midnight show tomorrow. Can't wait. I heard that this moviefilm was privately screened before some of Hollywood's comedic "old guard" and they said that Cohen's approach to comedy is new, fresh, and revolutionary. Chenquei!
Posted by: Matt in DC | November 1, 2006 04:19 PM
While I'm looking forward to seeing the movie, I'd be interested in the Post's readers and their opinions about whether Borat will "play" in middle America. In order for satire to be successful, your audience has to have some familiarity with the subject and a willingness to mock it.
Posted by: bobpiano | November 1, 2006 06:10 PM
My girlfriend and I saw a sneak preview and contrary to the criticism above, were in serious belly pain by the time it ended. The trailers and ads have sparked memories of so many outrageously funny scenes that we're dying to see it again, and can't recommend it strongly enough. Yes it's scatological and base on one (big) level, but there's so much more to Mr. Cohen's humor and the selection of his satire's targets that to compare it to Jackass is pretty ludicrous. The fact that the Jackass audience will love this is totally cool, but this is tearfully-funny humor that explodes in the brain as well!
Posted by: Joseph | November 1, 2006 06:12 PM
Borat has been sending up the British for sometime. The natural extension is the U.S. and A. The Kazakh government is furious and everybody still doesn't get it.
The world takes itself so seriously that we're now killing each other over perceived insults. C'mon people - laugh at yourselves. Seriously, there are world leaders and opinion makers who think Borat is genuine.
Want proof? Hugo Chavez is planning to offer Borat a weekly news analysis slot on Telesur. Chavez wants to to co-host!
Now that would be hilarious.
Posted by: saltzone | November 1, 2006 06:21 PM
Does anyone know which, if any, theaters are offering midnight showings on Thursday night?
Posted by: Raj | November 1, 2006 06:52 PM
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Religion and Politics
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How much of an impact will factors such as the Foley scandal, David Kuo's "Tempting Faith," and the Virginia same-sex marriage amendment have on next week's vote?
John Green , author of, "The Values Campaign: The Christian Right in American Politics," and "The Diminishing Divide: Religion's Changing Role in American Politics," was online Thursday, Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. ET to discuss the role of religion on the upcoming election.
Alpharetta, Ga.: Is it true that White Catholics tend to be critical swing voters, and although a little more pro-life than the electorate are still basically up for grabs?
John Green: Yes, white Catholics are chief among the swing voters in the country. In part this reflects the political diversity of white Catholics, with the strongly pro-life Catholics tending to vote Republican and the strongly pro-choice tending to vote Democratic. But there are middle-of-road Catholics who are torn between the Republicans and the Democrats and can go either way.
Gaithersburg, Md.: The religion section of my local second-hand bookstore contains numerous titles along the lines of "The Current State of the Middle East in Biblical Prophesy," claiming how prophesy accurately predicted the latest (as of their writing) conflict.
Polling data from the 2004 election showed that people who still favored invading Iraq were also non-informed about certain important facts -- majorities believing it had been shown that Saddam Hussein was involved in 9/11 or that WMDs had been found. It was as if they had faith and didn't want to be confused with facts.
Is there any data to show that belief in the possibility of supernatural involvement is driving any part of support for current Middle East policy?
John Green: There is some poll evidence that suggests that belief in biblical prophecy is related to people's views of the Middle East. The strongest relationship is with support for Israel. However, the relationship is complex and the exact role of supernatural beliefs is difficult to measure with precision. Some people with these views appear to be quite well informed about current events, but other appear to be less informed.
I'm wondering how much years of bad news on Iraq has affected evangelical voters. Evangelicals were among the strongest supporters of the invasion -- Jerry Falwell even said that "God is pro-war." Have evangelicals become disillusioned on this subject, or do you find that they are still "true believers" in regards to Bush's Middle Eastern foreign policy?
John Green: The Iraq war is hurting Bush with religious people, especially Catholics and Mainline Protestants. Even Evangelical Protestants are much less supportive than they used to be, with just a little over one-half now saying they think the war was the right decision.
Washington, D.C.: Dr. Green, how well has the Democratic party progressed in developing messages that offer some appeal to voters for whom "values" issues are important. Is this an area that they should simply write off in their electoral strategies, or is there room for both parties in this arena?
John Green: Thank you all for your good questions.
Polling evidence suggests that the Democrats can compete with the Republicans for religious voters. One basic step would be for Democrats to talk about their faith and how it shapes their politics. Another is to talk about religious values in support for their policy positions, and yet another possibility is to offer more moderate positions on some issues. This year Harold Ford, Bob Casey and Ted Strickland are doing these sorts of things to good effect. If they are successful, we may see more Democrats following this path.
Mountain View, Calif.: In Tennessee, Senatorial candidate Harold Ford got some attention for filming an ad in a church. Seems like a great idea for the particular contest, but is this nearing the edge of what a church cannot do based on tax laws regarding non-profits like churches and election activity?
John Green: The Ford church ad was an effective use of a generalized religious symbol. As such there isn't a legal problem. However, if his (or any other) church specifically sought to help Ford by making their facilities available, then that could represent a legal problem.
Chicago: Thanks for hosting this chat.
Why doesn't the religious political community weigh in on horrendous negative campaigning bordering on deceit and scandalous misrepresentation and character assassination? Do they see this as a means to a justifiable end?
Good example is Rush Limbaugh last week mocking Michael J. Fox the person, not just disagreeing with his views. How is the Christian right's silence advancing their goals? Are they more interested in being a righteous, vengeful force over a peaceful, kind and compassionate one in the world?
John Green: Quite a few religious leaders decry negative ads. However, there is a tendency to accept such ads because they work in campaigns -- that is, the ads attract voters. And the tolerance is particularly high when the ads are helping candidates or causes the leaders agree with. But few religious leaders of any sort are very happy with the quality of campaign discourse.
Harrisburg, Pa.: Has David Kuo's book resonated? I have read it and am shocked at how the Bush White House takes the religious right for their money and their votes and thinks so little of them. How widely is this book known?
John Green: The response in the evangelical community has been mixed. Some people were angered by the reported disregard of Republicans for evangelicals. But other see the book as betrayal and an election year gimmick. Still others wondered why it took Kuo so long to understand the hardball nature of politics. The book has apparently been widely read among evangelical activists and leaders.
Laurel, Md.: Is there data to suggest that the Democrat's attempt to appeal to religious voters is turning off secularist voters? Or are they so turned off by the current Republican party that anything that helps the Democrats win is at least tolerable?
John Green: One of the big fears of some Democratic strategists is that moves to attract religious voters may turn off secular votes, who have become strong Democrats in recent times. This is a version of a common problem in American politics: how does one build a winning coalition when one needs the support of voters that disagree on policy? The Republicans face a similar problem with evangelicals and libertarians.
Aurora, Minn.: While it is obvious that religion plays an increasing role in the body politic in this country, is it really the case that the religious right is making actual policy headway? It seems to me that the modern Republican treats evangelicals like Democrats treat big labor: give us your money and your votes, and in turn we will propose a bunch of useless legislation that will never see the light of day.
John Green: This is good point. Evangelicals and other conservative Christians have been quite successful in terms of electoral politics, but have had relatively little impact on the policies they care about -- at least to date. This is a strong source of frustration among evangelicals and other conservative Christians. In this regard, there are parallels with the Democrats and some of their constituencies.
Harper's Ferry, W.V.: Is there any sign that the Iraq War is hurting Bush among religious voters? Perhaps among the more liberal of them (mainline Protestants, progressive Catholics)? Jesus was a peacemaker, after all.
John Green: Yes, Iraq is hurting Bush with religious voters and particularly with white Catholics and mainline Protestants. Even with evangelicals, support for the war has steadily declined, so that now days just a little over one-half of evangelicals believe the Iraq war was the right decision.
Bowie, Md.: Some Christian leaders in the United States have criticized President Bush for describing Islam as a great faith that has been perverted by terrorists.
Do many grassroots evangelical voters feel disillusioned about the president's outreach to friendly Muslim nations; or do most accept that being President and fighting terrorism requires a show of ecumenism?
John Green: There was a negative reaction in some evangelical quarters to Bush's positive statement about Islam. However, most evangelicals agreed with Bush's foreign policy, so there has been a tendency to cut him some slack on this particular controversy. As one leader put it, "Bush is the commander and chief, not theologian in chief."
Annapolis, Md.: We always hear about evangelicals and Catholics, but what's happening with mainline Protestants this year? Lots of Lutherans and Methodists in key states like Minnesota, Iowa and Ohio.
John Green: Very good question. Mainline Protestants are quite involved in politics this year. The more conservative elements are active on the right, and the progressive elements have gained new vigor this year supporting liberal candidates and causes. Because Mainline churches are diverse politically, they do not speak in one voice in politics. Thus their contributions are often missed.
San Diego: Could an atheist ever be elected president? If so, under what conditions?
John Green: At the moment, it is quite unlikely that an atheist could get elected president. Americans tend to have very negative views of atheists. So, the perception of atheists would have to change fairly substantially. That said, a good way to change perceptions is to have effective atheist candidates and officeholders.
Greenville, S.C.: Do you believe the use of religious rhetoric by the president and others is designed to further policy goals or strictly to enhance an electoral advantage with conservative Christians?
John Green: Bush's religious rhetoric is surely a bit of both things, representing his personal views on policy as well as an appeal for votes.
Iraq war question: Hi Mr. Green, I'm delighted that you can answer questions today. Back when the Iraq war started, I remember several major Christian denominations pronounced that it was not a "just war" (I think the Catholic and Methodist Churches were among these). But I haven't seen any clear political fallout from this, and indeed, Catholic bishops seem to have been more concerned with gay marriage than the war. Am I correct, and if so, why hasn't this gotten more press or affected politics more?
John Green: Your memory is correct. In fact, many religious denominations opposed the war. These positions had a mixed impact on their own followers. In 2004, many church goers voted for Bush despite this criticism. My sense is that these views are resonating more now, given the experience with the war.
Annapolis, Md.: Is it too much to expect the Democrats to try to make the case that values are not contingent upon religiosity?
John Green: Actually, Democrats often do talk about values from non-religious sources. However, many voters are religious people and an appeal to religious values can be quite effective at the polls. This can be a tricky thing, of course, since religious appeals can also turn off other voters.
Marshall, Mo.: Peace be unto you, Bro. Green,
In the autobiographies of the founding fathers of The United States of America we find that they know that only our Creator can make laws. And they put what controls America into The Declaration of Independence as "the laws of Nature and of Nature's G-d".
So how is it that people get away with the claim that there is a "separation of church and state" in the Constitution of the United States of America? And what do kings, prophets or not, rule over?
John Green: Americans have long debated the exact meaning of the First Amendment and thus what the details of the separation of church and state should be. Only a few Americans would accept a definition that removed religion completely from the public square. But other worry about too close a connection between religion and politics in a diverse society. The founders had a similar range of opinion on this matter, albeit in a different historical context.
Cos Cob, Conn.: Do you feel "Christian Right" to be a bigoted phrase? I rarely see the phrase "Jewish left" or "black extremists" being used.
Question 2: The biggest block of swing voters (again) this year is the white Catholic vote. I don't see anyone actively engaging them like other ethnic, religious or racial groups. Giuliani is the only Catholic being mentioned as a presidential candidate.
The Democrats are putting fewer and fewer Catholics up for statewide elections in the heavily Catholic Northeastern states. Why are they abandoning their largest base?
John Green: Most terms start out as descriptive and then can become pejorative. The term "Christian right" replaced the term "religious right" for just this reason--but may be becoming something of a slur as well. I'm not sure it is an inherently negative term, like the word "extremist." There is quite a fight going on for Catholic votes, but Catholics have to be approached on the basis of religious belief and practice rather than affiliation.
Tampa, Fla.: I find three things striking about the massive interference of organized religion in US politics:
(1) It mirrors the machine politics of the 1930s and later. Instead of urban voters rallying around their party, suburban and exurban voters rally around their church.
(2) The Protestant right has seemed to make peace with the Catholic church, which seems entirely new. Not too long ago Bob Jones represented the majority view of Protestants that the Pope is the anti-Christ and Catholics worshipped the Pope, not God. How long can this marriage of convenience continue? I think the only reason it has lasted as long as it has is that conservatives such as Opus Dei control the Catholic church. If the Catholic hierarchy shifts to the left (say, when the current elderly Pope dies and his successor is from Latin America and sympathetic to Liberation theology), do you think we'll see this alliance rupture? I already see tension over the death penalty and social issues such as aid to the needy.
(3) Most importantly, the new religious extremists reject American history. They falsely claim we're an officially Christian nation in the same sense Saudi Arabia is Wahabbi Sunni. They forget conservative Christians supported slavery and segregation, yet now have the gall to claim they actually were the driving force behind abolition and civil rights. To me, the real reason they detest public schools is that public schools do not engage in the religious indoctrination necessary to rewrite American history.
John Green: Your comments are insightful. The political organization of conservative Christians has been quite effective, much like the old party operations or like labor unions in the 1930s and 1950s. And we do see an alliance between religious traditionalists among Protestants and Catholics, with ancient opponents increasing on the same side. In fact, this is an important change in U.S. politics. Certainly, there is also a great debate over the meaning of the past, with various groups trying to mobilize history on their behalf--sometimes in violation of the facts and sometimes with respect for them.
Herndon, Va.: John Dean's review of Kuo's book on Findlaw points out that the top 20 most corrupt House members according to Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics also get very high marks from Focus on the Family. What's your take on certain Christian groups' willingness to overlook immoral or amoral behavior among political leaders, in exchange for the legislation they want?
John Green: I once interviewed a religious leader who said, "The politics of moralism makes hypocrites of us all." It is quite embarrassing for many conservative Christians to see that people rated as moral engage in corrupt behavior. Of course, this problem is not limited to conservatives.
St. Mary's City, Md.: I would like to see the media explore the larger implications of David Kuo's claims about the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives.
I sympathize with Kuo's concerns about the manipulation of evangelical Christians for political gain. But I am more concerned about the Administration using the initiative to promote one faith at the expense of others. Like the Air Force Academy scandal, this was perpetuated by people who reject the principle of government neutrality among competing religions.
Katherine Harris openly advocates theocracy, and it would be easy to dismiss her as a kook. But until recently, the Majority Leader in the House of Representatives was a man (Tom DeLay) who equated people who disagreed with his politics with the people who killed Christ. I believe that it's dangerous for democracy when people not only push to blur the line between church and state, but claim that it's necessary to defend religion. What are your thoughts?
John Green: There have always been certain theocratic tendencies in American religion and we see some examples today. However, those tendencies have rarely been very important in politics because in the end it is self-defeating, even among religious people. So my sense is that the dangers of such theocratic tendencies are small, with many of those who talk this way not really meaning quite what it sounds like. And in any event, they tend to pay a heavy price for these positions. Harris and DeLay are good examples.
Mitchellville, Md: Will the weakening of the unholy alliance between the leaders of the Republican party and leaders of the "Christian right" cause the major news media to finally begin to consider the political opinions held by the Christian left? My sense is that the because the Christian left is not as shrill in its political messages, the news media tend to dismiss it as "dull news." Being against the death penalty, for example, is not as newsworthy as seeing people who profess forgiveness of sins advocating punitive death; advocacy of world peace through example is not as newsworthy as covering Christians who promote war.
John Green: There is no question that the perceived success of the Christian Right has motivated the "Christian left" to be more vocal and engaged in politics.
Fairfax, Va.: Have the Democrats made any headway among religious voters? If so, who? How?
John Green: The Democrats appear to be doing well with some religious voters, especially white Catholics and Mainline Protestants. And they continue to do well with black Protestants, Jews, and Muslims. It some places they may be making some in roads among more moderate evangelicals.
Washington, D.C.: Why the disconnect between Democrats and church-goers? I mean, Hillary Clinton was a Sunday school teacher for many years yet when she says "God," the media act like she is pandering.
John Green: This is an interesting question. I suspect there are several answers. One factor is the rise of the social issues, on which regular attenders tend to be more conservative. Another is the perception that has arisen that Democrats are unfriendly toward religion--this may reflect a certain neglect of religion by Democrats. And also, the GOP has vigorously pursued regular worship attenders.
Rockville, Md.: Shouldn't people try to separate their religious beliefs from what's best for society when they enter the voting booth? Church and state have become way to much one-in-the-same for me during the Bush administration. It's one of the things I really detest about his administration. The Republicans have done a great job at making themselves out to be the party of God, but plenty of Democrats have strong morals, values, and religious beliefs as well. I'd like to see religious issues mixed with politics a little less. I don't think it's too late to take a step back towards that, do you?
John Green: Some people believe that religion is a private matter and has no place in voting. But many others believe that religious values should influence their vote, rather than say, just self interest. There certainly is some kind of balance between religious and nonreligious values that would appear to still other people. In a democracy, it is hard to see how values--religious or otherwise--would not matter to many people when they vote.
Iowa: RE Catholics as swing voters, my church bulletin last week had a reminder that stem cell research is condemned by the official Church hierarchy. This would seem to be an issue more likely to split voters, given the therapeutic possibilities for stem cells vs. the right-to-life view of abortion.
John Green: Embryonic stem cell research does indeed divide Catholic voters as well as other Americans. And it is precisely because it pits two "life" issues against one another. Many social issues have this characteristic of conflicting values. The Catholic hierarchy has give one of the values priority.
Madison, Wis.: It seems to me that churches rarely get into trouble when they blatantly engage in political activity. Many Christian and Catholic churches in our state are actively supporting a "yes" vote on an anti-gay-marriage constitutional amendment. What will a complaint to the IRS accomplish?
John Green: The IRS respondent to complaints in this area and many of the more questionable cases never generate a complaint. But such rules don't apply to issues, only to partisan candidates.
Alexandria, Va.: I'm a 38 year old, married, Catholic, educated, home owning, father of four. I'm also a life long Democrat. Many of my co-religionists have forgotten that the two institutions that helped Catholic immigrants integrate into American society were the Catholic church and the Democratic party.
Since the 1980s, many Catholics have been convinced that they had no choice but to vote for Republicans because of the abortion issue. Though I agree that no Catholic can, in good conscience, support abortion, the rule is to cast your vote so as to do the least harm. Given the harm the Republicans have done to our nation, our Constitution and our reputation around the world, it is high time that American Catholics come home.
Do polls suggest that Catholics will look beyond the abortion issue this election or have the Republican voting patterns become too entrenched?
John Green: There are quite a few Catholics who have voted Republican as the "lesser of two evils" and abortion was a big reason. But in elections that are less about social issues, they often vote Democratic. And some polls suggest that this many be happening this year: the Democrats are getting strong Catholic support in the generic congressional ballot.
Takoma Park, Md.: Is the African-American religious community becoming stronger then white religious communities? I mean this in relation to their own communities, not each-other? It seems to me that I see a lot of progressive religious leaders coming out of the city of Baltimore in this election cycle.
John Green: African-American Protestant churches are quite vital and very engaged in politics. In this regard, they have been more effective than progressive white Christians and often as strong as conservative white Christians.
Gaithersburg, Md.: Do you see an impact by Sam Harris with his books in the political arena?
John Green: Sam Harris' book is a good example of non-religious people speaking out more in the public square. It may well help engage more secular voters in politics. It could also anger religious people--but many of them are already engaged politically.
New York, N.Y.: I know this is going to be a complex question, but why do Jewish voters tend to be progressive, considering Israel, and considering the fact that they would probably tend to benefit from GOP economic policies?
John Green: Jews are progressive in part because of the values their faith teaches, partly because of the history of Jews as a minority faith, and partly because of the high levels of education in the Jewish community. All this pushes Jews in a Democratic direction. But support for Israel does move some Jews toward the GOP. Of course, many Democrats also support Israel as well.
Silver Spring, Md.: As someone who is Buddhist and in a committed gay relationship who would like to marry, I really don't understand why someone of a different religion thinks they have the right to tell me how to live my life based on their religion's sacred text. My ancestors came to this land before the American Revolution fleeing people telling them how they should practice their religious faith. Why don't these Christians understand freedom of religion means all religions, not just theirs? Is any politician arguing this point? (p.s. we moved our childfree $150K household from Virginia to Maryland because of Virginia's bigotry -- no taxes for them!)
John Green: Actually, quite a few religious leaders make just this point, viewing tolerance and diversity as religious values. But other religious leaders see other religious values as more important, such as those governing sexual behavior or family structure. The argument is about which values should be in public policy.
Austin, Tex.: Do you see issue of homosexuality causing real problems between the Christian right and the Republican Party? Seems to me that one indirect result of the Foley scandal has been to point out that Washington Republican politicians and commentators know gays and are perfectly okay with them, while making anti-gay statements to please their supporters. Kind of makes them look like hypocrites.
John Green: Gay rights is a major tension between moderate Republicans and Christian conservatives. I have a feeling it will become more severe in the next few years.
Arlington, Va.: How do the fundamentalist churchgoers feel about supporting candidates who belong to smaller denominations such as the Mormons? Mitt Romney is trying an outreach effort regarding his religion and I wonder whether it could work.
John Green: Good question. There are important religious differences between Mormons and many evangelicals, especially fundamentalists. But Romney's issue positions are quite congenial. So this is something worth watching closely if Romney runs for president. Fundamentalists have found a way to cooperate with Catholics--but it took many years.
John Green: Thanks to everyone for their excellent questions. I am sorry I did not get to them all--it was great fun.
Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.
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John Green, senior fellow at the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, was online to discuss the impact of religion on the upcoming election.
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A Backstage Upstage at the Black Cat: Beck Unannounced
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Attempting to impart some excitement to the fading format known as the CD, Beck delivered his latest release, "The Information," with multiple extras, including stickers so fans can construct their own cover. Monday night, the eclectic singer took a similarly lower-tech approach to breaking the mold, playing an unannounced show at the Black Cat's backstage -- and upstaging the evening's official headliner, Apples in Stereo. The gig was one of several "secret" shows Beck has scheduled, reportedly for a change of pace and a break from the expectations of large-venue concerts.
Fronting a five-man band that was bewigged for Halloween, Beck played a pleasantly disorganized 70-minute set that touched on most of his career. With shoulder-length blond locks that made him look a bit like David Spade, he ventured into rap and folk, the styles he fused on his early recordings. Yet the emphasis was on stark, "Midnite Vultures''-style funk. Using borrowed equipment, the backing musicians added keyboards, guitar and electronic squawks, but their most important contribution was bass and percussion.
Beck reached back to 1996's "Devil's Haircut," and played several songs from "The Information," including "Nausea" and "Think I'm in Love." Yet he didn't flog the new album, and was open to requests from the 150 or so fans who pressed close to the stage. Though he seemed relaxed, the veteran of much larger venues made little of his unusual proximity to the audience. He bantered occasionally with the enthusiastic crowd, but mostly relied on trusted arena-rock gambits like interjecting local references into the lyrics. ("Hollywood Freaks" became "D.C. freaks.'') For a guy who's known for mixing things up, Beck didn't seem to vary his concert routine very much at all.
Upstairs earlier in the evening, Denver's Apples in Stereo and London's Archie Bronson Outfit played sets rooted in, respectively, early '70s Top 40 and late-'70s post-punk. The Apples, up to six members, proved more capable of reproducing their intricate recorded sound than ever before.
Glimmers of the band's folk-rock past could be heard, but the performance was heavy on material from the upcoming album "New Magnetic Wonder" -- sunny, harmony-heavy pop with hooks that echoed Bachman-Turner Overdrive and even heavier bands.
The most intense performance came from the Archie Bronson Outfit, which wedded thumping blues-rock to scratchy punk textures. Joined by local cellist Amy Domingues for part of its 30-minute set, the trio swaggered uneasily, as if its musical power couldn't dispel some underlying anxiety.
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Search Washington, DC area music events and venues from the Washington Post. Features DC, Virginia and Maryland entertainment listings for music news, events, reviews, clubs, and concerts. Visit http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/eg/section/music/ today.
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Pittsburgh's South Side, Resurrected
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As the rain began and the evening winds shivered across the Monongahela River, the zombies appeared.
Stiff, bloody and pale, they massed along East Carson Street. Three hundred pairs of sunken eyes found a Prussian-accented aristocrat with a bullhorn in an arched tavern doorway who ordered them forward on a recent chilly Friday evening: "Begin . . . shambling!"
With a low moan, the crowd lurched slowly into character during Pittsburgh's first Zombie Walk. As they moved west, some stumbled into the One Stop Hookah Shop or stared into the Silver Eye photo gallery. Others pawed the plate-glass windows at Nakama, where sushi eaters dropped their chopsticks. A few shuffled, trying not to laugh, toward the retro Rex Theatre, where the walk culminated at a local TV horror-show taping.
East Carson, a flat 30 blocks on Pittsburgh's South Side, was an appropriate setting for a mass tribute to secondhand bodies: This riverfront neighborhood has come back to life, too.
Fans of George Romero's 1968 horror classic "Night of the Living Dead," perhaps the city's most famous contribution to cinema, flock to the neighborhood's 70 bars and restaurants. Nineteenth-century churches have turned condo, factories house gritty lofts, ethnic clubhouses blare Northern Soul instead of Slovenian folk, and steel-mill sites sprout sleek shops.
At its peak, the South Side was home to nearly 40,000 immigrants who walked to jobs in steel mills along the river. That industry and population collapsed in the 1970s, but the feel of old Europe lingers. Onion-domed churches, brick facades and staircases that spiral uphill crowd together on the southern bank of the Mon.
Artists seeking low rents and large spaces discovered the area 15 years ago, when City Theatre revamped a Bingham Street church. Now, long-retired millworkers have made friends with new hipster neighbors. Locals describe the district as having both kinds of blue hair, for grannies and Goths. About 10,000 Pittsburghers call "Sahside" home; more flood in on weekends.
Signs of gentrification bookend the district. The SouthSide Works development, on the 34-acre site of the old Jones and Laughlin steel mill, has brought national retailers to the eastern end of the neighborhood. Station Square, a marina and entertainment complex, brackets its western end. The South Side's redevelopment started on the level riverfront, called the Flats; now "For Sale" signs are creeping up the Slopes, as the adjoining hillside is dubbed.
"It's history wrapped in Insul-brick," Brad Palmisiano jokes of his neighborhood. The 27-year-old architectural engineer is restoring a century-old home on the Slopes, overlooking East Carson Street. A Shop-Vac rests in his grand dining room, and his kitchen is missing some of its ceiling.
"The clock face is lit!" Palmisiano says, pointing proudly to an eye-level church steeple down the block. The former St. Michael the Archangel Church is now a condo building called the Angel's Arms, and its 1861 tower again has a working clock. Opposite Palmisiano's home, an American Legion hall was renovated into a showplace with three cliff-side decks, sidewalk planters and a $250,000 price tag. The street's first white-tablecloth restaurant has opened down the block. UUBU 6 is a play on the name tiled above its door: W.B.U. 6 was the Workingmen's Beneficial Union.
Palmisiano's heading down the hill to East Carson. He says a wings-and-beer night is calling him. I follow as far as Mary Street, where a rusty-looking factory sulks on the corner.
Out front, a blackboard-size magnifying lens is set up in front of a table, and something's sizzling. What looks like an urban barbecue turns out to be art.
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As zombies filter through the city's South Side every October, it provides a metaphor for the rebirth of one of the region's proudest neighborhoods.
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Justices Challenge EPA's Arguments in Clean Air Act Case
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Supreme Court justices took a skeptical view of an Environmental Protection Agency crackdown on air pollution from electric power plants yesterday as the court heard oral arguments in a major case on the authority of the federal government to punish violations of the Clean Air Act.
At issue is a wave of lawsuits begun by the EPA during the last two years of the Clinton administration in which the agency sought to force utilities to equip their refurbished older plants with state-of-the-art pollution control equipment. The EPA said it was enforcing its long-established view of the Clean Air Act's requirements. But companies objected, saying the EPA was unfairly imposing a new and stricter interpretation of ambiguous federal regulations.
At yesterday's argument, most of the justices who spoke up seemed to agree with industry's view.
"What I'm concerned about is that companies can get whipsawed," said Justice Antonin Scalia.
When Sean H. Donahue, a lawyer for Environmental Defense, a private organization defending the EPA enforcement actions, told the court that the agency's regulations were "clear on their face," Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. interjected, "That's an audacious statement."
At issue in the case, Environmental Defense v. Duke Energy , No. 05-848, is how to measure utilities' compliance with the Clean Air Act's "new source review" program, which governs emissions from plants that have been modernized or expanded.
Environmental Defense says that about 17,000 facilities are covered by the rules, and it cites studies that show 20,000 premature deaths per year traceable to pollution from coal-fired plants.
It says the EPA properly insisted that Duke Energy get a special permit and install new pollution-control equipment before reopening several coal-fired plants it had started renovating in 1988, because the plants' total emissions dramatically increased when they were brought back online.
But Duke, a North Carolina-based utility, countered that the proper standard was not the total amount of pollution its plants emitted, but the rate at which they emitted it. By that measure, the company said, its renovations had not changed the plants' capacity for pollution.
In June 2005, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, based in Richmond, ruled in Duke Energy's favor.
By that time, the Bush administration had promised to change EPA enforcement policy, announcing in 2002 that it would bring no new cases against utilities.
But the EPA continued cases that were pending when the administration took office in 2001, so the Bush EPA and Environmental Defense were on the same side in the 4th Circuit.
After that, the administration proposed new clean air regulations that echo the 4th Circuit's decision and would apply it nationwide. It then asked the Supreme Court not to accept Environmental Defense's request to intervene in the case.
The court's decision to take the case over the administration's objection was a surprise. Since the adoption of modern environmental legislation in 1970, the court had agreed to hear just two previous cases in which an environmental group was the petitioner.
Yesterday, the Bush administration was back on Environmental Defense's side of the case, defending the EPA's authority to press the last few cases against Duke and others.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg asked Thomas G. Hungar, a deputy solicitor general, about the impact of the administration's shifting positions. "Since the government is now taking the position that another Duke could do just what was done here and there's an enforcement action pending, would you, if you prevailed in that enforcement action, nonetheless enforce, though it goes against the current government policy?"
"Your Honor, the 2005 proposal that you're referring to is only a proposal. . . . It has not been adopted," Hungar replied. "So the rules as they exist today are the same as the ones we're talking about, although there was a modification in 2002."
A decision in the case is expected by July.
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Supreme Court justices took a skeptical view of an Environmental Protection Agency crackdown on air pollution from electric power plants yesterday as the court heard oral arguments in a major case on the authority of the federal government to punish violations of the Clean Air Act.
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Hitting the Road on Your Own
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Seeking independence, adventure and escape, the protagonist sets off alone on a lengthy, sometimes perilous and always rewarding journey. From "King Arthur" to "The Lion King," books and movies are replete with tales of solitary adventures of self-discovery. Whether you're recovering from a break-up or looking to try something new, solo travel is a way to reconnect with yourself.
Solo travel is sometimes regarded as the last option for those who cannot find travel companions, but single travelers are a growing demographic. In 2005, 11 percent of travelers vacationed alone. Of that number, 35 percent were between 18 and 34 years of age and the gender balance is essentially equal, according to the Travel Industry Association and TravelScope®.
In an era when people are over-committed and über-connected through a relentless network of wireless communication devices, solo travel holds the potential for the ultimate retreat from an onslaught of obligations and the monotony of routine. Whether you are tired of all-night booze-fests with pals or looking to create a new experience, solo trips offer the opportunity to experience a destination on your own terms at your pace -- without waiting for friends or family to sleep off a tequila hangover or peruse every corner shop for the perfect souvenir.
Traveling independently is a chance to try new activities, conquer fears and explore new interests apart from your daily routine and standard life. It takes two to tango, but most adventures can be tackled by the single adventurer. Belly-dancing, Thai massages, paragliding and countless solitary activities await. Thalia Zepatos, author of "A Journey of One's Own," found some of her most memorable experiences while participating in the daily routines of small villages, including an Indian rice paddy. "Those experiences were more rewarding than seeing the sights or visiting museums."
According to Rob Sangster, author of "Traveler's Tool Kit," unaccompanied travel is the ultimate freedom. "The responsibility is much greater, the choices are all your own, your state of mind is solely your responsibility," he said. "That's the big thing. If you're traveling with someone, part of your contract is you keep each other happy. When you're by yourself, you've got the ball."
A trip as a solo traveler does not mean that you will stay alone for the entire time. Travel networks connect like-minded travelers, offer popular locales at travel destinations and introduce travelers to hospitable hosts in foreign countries. Further, hostels, coffee houses and interest groups offer more ways to meet people. International service organiations like Habitat for Humanity, with locations around the world, encourage single volunteers to apply for spots at locations
Solo travel has been a popular trend throughout Europe where students often have a year off before attending university. Destinations like Interlaken, Switzerland and Cinque Terre, Italy are legendary solo travel destinations. Sangster has found that traveling alone invites more conversations and meetings than group travel. "I feel more spontaneously willing to stop and have a tea or a beer and just blend into wherever I am."
Of course, traveling alone generally requires more planning and safety precautions. It is always important to be cognizant of current travel warnings and safety concerns. Zepatos recommends that solo travelers "stay low-key and off the beaten path" by avoiding major cities and tourist-hubs. She reasons that smaller villages allow travelers to more quickly assimilate, meet people and discover the local culture.
According to travel agent Giorgio Berrin, it is important to be honest about your desires and ability. Berrin recommends that single travelers only visit countries in which they are language-proficient. Even with language proficiency, it is important to research each destination and take precautions with solo travel. "For women, it is important to avoid known dangerous places, but it is increasingly difficult to find those places," Berrin notes. His list of recommended destinations includes Australia, Canada, China, India, New Zealand and Western Europe. Internet cafes and international cell phones make it possible to stay in touch with family and friends at home, keeping them apprised of updates and travel status.
The State Department publishes a list of tips for women traveling alone. The list includes leaving detailed travel documents and itineraries with friends at home, choosing safe and centrally located lodging and modest attire. It is important to study the culture in order to minimize avoidable risks.
Though solo travel is liberating, singles' fees and charges can add up. Hostels are a popular option for the individual traveling alone. Often construed as the backpackers' resort, hostels are a popular, affordable and social alternative to hotels. Shared rooms and bathrooms and perks like free breakfast can minimize costs, while social areas, communal tables and open spaces allow guests to interact. Hostels.com, which enables travelers to find hostels around the world, booked nearly four million reservations last year. They are a prime method for meeting like-minded travelers.
Within this growing industry, more resources are becoming available. Companies cater to the single traveler with group trips, clubs and travel networks, connecting interests and minimizing risks for the individual. Through such contacts, it is possible to find travel groups, recommendations and ideas to suit the needs and interests of almost every traveler.
Connecting: Solo Travel Network caters to single travelers with a bi-monthly newsletter, list of recommended lodgings and member advertising for travel companions. Travel company Contiki organizes packages for 18-to-35 year old travelers with trips throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia. Eighteen percent of the travelers book trips alone, so the company offers same-sex roommate-pairings to avoid the singles supplement to room charges.
Solo-traveler Kari Simpson -- who went abroad with Contiki -- welcomed the experience of traveling alone. "Being by myself almost forced me to meet more people than I would have had I been with friends who influenced me or dictated who I was."
Solo travelers in search of a mate also have options too: Windjammer Barefoot Cruises operates a cruise for lovelorn singles with an equal number of men and women and many spas, typically more popular for women, offer singles packages. Rancho La Puerta spa in Baja California touts special interest weeks that include fitness dance week and music and soul week.
Zepatos feels that people hesitate when deciding to go it alone. "We tend to wait to find someone to go with us. Don't wait for someone else to help you make your travel dreams come true. Just go on and travel on your own." With so many opportunities available for solo travel, now is the time to write a prominent chapter in your travel story.
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Solo travel is sometimes regarded as the last option for those who cannot find travel companions, but single travelers are a growing demographic.
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Interpreting Your Dreams
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Gayle Delaney, Ph.D., was online Tuesday and took questions on the interpretation of dreams.
Read the Article: Dream Seekers
Delaney is founding president of the International Association for the Study of Dreams. She has authored seven books on dreams and their interpretation, and appeared television shows including "Oprah" and "The Today Show."
Gayle Delaney: WELCOME to our dream chat, fellow dreamers! I shall be responding to your questions from San Francisco and recalling all the wonderful times I have spent in D.C.
A bit of background: I have been working to modernize the art of dream interpretation since my college days in the early seventies.
I am the founding president of the International Associattion for the Study of Dreams (asdreams.org), co-director with Loma K. Flowers, MD of the Delaney & Flowers Dream Center (www.gdelaney.com), and author (All About Dreams, In Your Dreams, New Directions in Dream Interpretation, etc.) and I lecture on the topic of using dreams for problem solving and on contemporary dream interpretation in French, Italian, and English.
My driving passion is to help people shed old superstitions and misinformation about dreams so they can discover how efficiently and productively their mind works every night while they sleep.
Here is a glimple at how I shall be working with you today:
My "Dream Interview" method of interpretation sets up a dialogue between the dreamer and the interviewer in which the interviewer pretends to come from another planet and asks an organized set of questions from a naive perspective, thus encouraging the dreamer to discover his or her own meanings and discouraging the interpreter from imposing his or her projections and guesses garnered from psychological theories or past experience.
Most dreamers will play both roles and interview themselves. Step one of the interview: DESCRIBE the major images of the dream as if describing them to someone from another planet: "Your dream features George Bush. Who is George Bush, and what is he like?" Step two: BRIDGE from the dream image description to waking life: "Does your description remind you of anyone, anything, or any part of yourself?" The interviewer or therapist refrains from making suggestions and allows the dreamer to discover the metaphoric match between the dream images and waking life.
Since each answer the dreamer provides will determine the direction of follow-up questions, in this format, I can only suggest preliminary questions and encourage the dreamer and the reader to consider the various and often surprising ways different dreamers would answer the same questions. Just think how differently a loyal democrat and a loyal republican would describe George Bush!
Let's take for example the dream of Alison Good published in the Post on Sunday. Alison wrote: "I keep having dreams about going back to college. They started out as not being prepared for classes, projects, or tests. Now this may be commonplace for most people, but I didn't start having these dreams until I was 40. Now the dreams are about the college life, moving into dorms and living with people much younger than me. They're really disturbing, and I have them about 10 times a year."
When Alison first had these dreams they were forms of the ever popular and distressing "examination dream" of feeling unprepared for a class or test. To interpret this dream that has tormented so many of us, the interviewer from another planet would ask the dreamer:
"What does it feel like for an earthling like you to be unprepared for such a test? (Description step)
"Can you describe the nature of the class or test for which you are unprepared?" (Description)
"Is there any situation is your life now (at the time of the dream) that fits the description of the test and the feelings you had in the dream about being unprepared?" (Bridge step)
Dreamers can usually pinpoint a situation in their lives at the time of such dreams, such as a particular challenge in a career, a relationship, or a health issue that matches the description of the dream test and the feelings associated with being unprepared and at risk of failure.
The more recent versions of Allison's dreams call for different questions:
("Now the dreams are about the college life, moving into dorms and living with people much younger than me. They're really disturbing.")
"What is it like to be in college?" (For humans in general, for you in particular)
"If you went to college, did you like it or not? How come?"
"What would you think if you were told you would go back to college now?"
"In your dream, how does it feel to be moving into dorms?"
"What is life in dorms like?"
"Do you like dorm life or not, and why?"
"How does it feel to be living with people much younger than you?"
"What aspects of this dream are disturbing and why?"
If Allison whet to college and remembers dorm life as a time of fun and freedom and remembers college as a time of exciting learning opportunities, she might be dreaming about a similar opportunity and new phase of growth in her current life. If she hated dorm life, felt like an outsider, of if she never when to college because she could not afford it or because she was too independent a spirit, she would bridge the feelings and descriptions she
makes in the interview to very different situations in her life. If she liked college well enough, but in the dream focuses on feeling too old to be with such young people, she might bridge to a situation in her life in which she has signed up for a project, but feels insecure about her chances of being accepted by the group, or of keeping up with the competition. We do know that Allison is disturbed by these dreams, but we don't know why. Is it because she is too old to be with the younger people? Does she hate the idea of living in a dorm? Only Allison can tell us to what interpretation her descriptions will lead her!
Bristow, VA: How seriously should I take my daughter's dreams? At least once per week, my daughter who is 5, have a nightmare. She refers to the nightmare for many days after. Should I be concerned?
Gayle Delaney: Most of children's nightmares, just like those of adults signal that there is something is frigtening or troubling the child. Sometimes the child is able to "articulate the problem" only in the nightmare. I would start by talking about the nighmares with your daughter and helping her to write them down in a journal. Do some reading on the topic, and learn how to ask her non-leading questions that help her describe the images and then relate them to waking life. If this does not reduce her anxiety and the frequency of the bad dreams, call a professional for a couple of sessions to discover what the dreams are trying to help her understand. Nightmares can be the most valuable of experiences in helping one recognize, understand, and sometimes resolve troubling issues.
Arlington, VA: What are the best web sites available for analyzing your dreams? Are there any tools I should make sure they have available on the site?
Gayle Delaney: In general, one must read books to learn enough to interpret dreams. Most websites that say they can interpret your dreams are terrible. Remember that no one can tell you why you dreamt of, say, a cat. The meaning depends entirely upon what you think and feel about cats (do you love them or are you allergic to them?) as well as upon what the cat is like and what role it plays in your particular dream.) Better to go to sites that refer you to professionals and good reading resources. If you go to www.asdreams.org and to www.gdelaney.com you will get a good start.
Austin, Texas: Does it matter in dreams if you dream you are you but physically you don't look like you? I am always me in the dreams, but sometimes I look like someone else and sometimes even my gender is different. Once I even dreamed I looked like that guy Columbo but I was still me on the inside. I think in this particular dream I was aware I looked different and was amused that it was Columbo.
Gayle Delaney: FUN QUESTION! When you look like someone else in a dream, you are highlighting certain characteristics in yourself! So pretend I come from another planet and have never heard of Columbo and tell me who he is and what he is like. Use 3-4 adjectives that descibe him. Once you have done that, repeat thise descriptions and ask yourself if there is a part of yourself that is like Columbo, whom you describe as......
Bethesda, Md.: Do you see any significant differences in dreams by people among language groups?
Gayle Delaney: My experience with dreamers of different language groups is limited to speakers of Spanish, German, French, English, and Italian. My dream work has been only in the US, Canada, and Europe. But my impression is that there are some National, more than lingusitc, traits that show up in the dream-reflected personalities of dreamers. I particularly note that when teaching workshops in different countries, social norms shape how people approach interpretation. For example, onec in France, a psychologist told me that my Dream Interview Method made him very uncomfortable because it require that the interpreter act illinofrmed about life on Earth. ? How could he heep face and ask his dreamer "Who is this fellow Mozart in your dream? I had to encourage him many times that letting the dreamer describe Mozart would yield much richer and more accurate material for understanding the dream. He explained that when he grew up in Paris, children raised their hands to show mastery in the given topic, and that asking stupid questions would have been painfully embarassing. I responded that in my education, almost evey teacher told us that there is no question too stupid to ask!
Tysons Corner, Va.: Is there any significance to what color you dream in? I tend to wake up thinking that my dreams are tinted, as if I were looking through a colored screen. Orange is a common color, even though I hate it.
Gayle Delaney: As is true for every emage, feeling, setting, and action in a dream, dream colors are clues to the dream's meaning. Ask yourself: What is the orange in my dream like? How do I feel about it?
Be specific. Why do you hate orange? What soes it remind you of?
Does this feeling that you associate with orange tint your life as it is picutred in the dream? Try to interview yourself about the dream first, then ask about the color tint. (see my book All About Dreams for interview help0
Washington D.C.: Hi Gayle! How much do your theories and approaches to interpretation draw on or differ from the classical theories developed by Freud and Jung?
Gayle Delaney: Had it not been for Freud, there would have been no Jung. Had I not read jung, I would perhaps still be studying Russian economics! Had I not gone to study Jung in Zurich, I would not have been inspired to provide an alternative to his approach. See chapters 1-4 in All About Dreams where I answer your question with the care it deserves. We all owe a great debt to Freud and Jung. However, my apporach is quite different.
Alexandria, Va.: I took a class in dream interpretation when I was in grad. school seven years ago. Our professor took the position that dreams are problem solving tools and that we must always ask, "what is your association to the object/person in the dream"? We also read about Freudian and Jungian dream interpretation. What do you think of Jung's theory of archetypes? Are there objects that may carry cultural meaning that our brains uses as shorthand to convey certain messages?
Gayle Delaney: Bravo for you and your teacher. Dreams are fantastic problem-slovers and it is a shame we use them so clumsily, if at all. My book, Living Your Dreams is all about dream incubation, or ways to target your dreams on a given night to explore and resolve problems or generate new ideas. I am not a fan of the use of archetypes as defined by Jung and others to interpret dreams. Too often they are used as a formulaic interpretation. I prefer to take any image that might be seen as an archetype and treat it like any other. I ask the dreamer to describe it to me as if I come from another planet. Thus the dreamer is free to discover her own meaning unprejudiced by my projections, preconceptions, and, heaven forbid!, my erudite pronouncements that may have little or nothing to do with the dreamer's experience. Even if the dreamer has similar associations to a so-called archetype, I think she is far better benefitted by discovering the "meaning" on her own, rather than from my recital of what Jung or anyone else had to say on the matter.
Lexington Park, Md.: I don't seem to remember my dreams. Sometimes I will remember a specific person was in it but no details or action remain once I wake up. Someone once suggested I journal my dreams but there really is nothing there to journal. Is this normal?
Gayle Delaney: RECALLING DREAMS: Yes, Lex, this is normal! If you would like to develop your ability to recall more and more richly your dreams, do this:
1. BEFORE you go to sleep, write your DAY NOTES; two to four lines about what you DID and FELT today. (This may improve your recall by 40%)
2. When you wake, ask yourself what was just going through your mind and write down any crumbs you can retrieve. Often as youstart to write, much more of the dream will come to mind!
3. If you have NO recall, promise yourself that you will write down at least ONE LINE of whatever you thought upon awakkening even if it has nothing to do with dreaming. Sometimes just putting pen to paper will trigger your recall. Sometimes this works to convince youreslf that no matter what, you will have to take the time to write down something and forgetting your dream will not get you out of putting pen to pater. In a week or two, YOU WILL recall your dreams. Just keep at it nightly to trian yourself. May you enjoy your rich dream life!
Stress dreams: I think it is so weird that masses of people have the same dreams - like spitting out teeth, or not studying for an exam. There seems to be two dream categories - recurring dreams like I just mentioned and dreams that have a story arc. I've noticed that many people dream about childhood - myself included - the older I get, the more I dream about my childhood home and friends.
Gayle Delaney: Common dreams are fascinating. Interestingly, we often put our own personal spin on our particular version of any common dream, and we have our own persoanl meaning for the dream. Don't accept any fixed meaning even for the most common dream. Common dreams can be very helpful in understanding our relationships and the conflicts and opportunities that we meet in our daily lives. (My book, In Your Dreams is dedicated to common dreams and how to interpret them.)
Mt Rainier, Md.: Is there less significance in non-repetitive dreams? I can vividly recall most of my dreams, but I have not had a recurring dream.
Gayle Delaney: It is hard to put a value on any type of dream. It may be that all dreams are significant. I have taught classes in which I asked the therapists to bring in their most insignificant-seeming dreams. We were all impressed how much insight can be gained from some of the most banal dreams. But I must say that I think recurring dreams are among our most important in that the keep insisting that we have not got the message. Once you understand your recurring dream AND make the appropriate changes in your life and attitude, the dreams disappear or are significantly modified. If you have not recalled recurring dreams, you probably are not "stuck" in a recurring situation in your life. So that is good news!
Nightmares: I have vivid dreams - several each night. I often have terrifying nightmares - really, they could be great horror films! However, I live a stress-free life. I'm always cheerful and happy and rarely worry. My mom said I've been like this since I was a baby, so I think it's just innate. I have a difficult time buying the idea of dream interpretation. Can't it just be our brain's way of trying to tie together the random images firing away while we sleep? I do notice that I have "stress" dreams during crazy work periods - teeth falling out, didn't practice piano and I have a recital, etc...but they are completely different than "story dreams".
Gayle Delaney: Read "The Nightmare" by Ernest Hartman, MD who has done wonderful research on the tyes of people (more thin boundaried and often more creative) who have a life-long tendency to have nightmares.
Frederick, MD: Having worked with a small dream group for several years, I find the input and questions from others to be very helpful. Seems that solo analysis would be difficult.
Gayle Delaney: My favorite way to work with dreams is in small groups, but for most people that is just not an option. When I work with groups, we all are highly disciplined and interpret through interviewing with questions and not by suggesting interpretations which are very seducctive to the dreamer and the interpreters, but are often less accurate and less impactful to the dreamer who does better to discover his or her own meaning. Working on your own is how most of us work most of the time.
Washington, DC: What professional opportunities exist for a psychologist with an interest in dreams? Is running a private practice based on dream therapy a viable option? Does the market exist for that? What alternatives to private practice exist for a psychologist with an interest in dreams?
Gayle Delaney: Wroking only with dreams is a very specialized practice, and I would not quit your day job! But incorporating enlightenind dreamwork into your general therapy practice can work wonders. In my opinion, doing therapy without dreamwork is like practicing orthopedice without x-ray's.
Gayle Delaney: Our dream talk hour, unhappily, is over! Thak you for your many questions and comments. If you would like to spend a few days at a wonderful conference on dreaming open to all in the Sonoma Wine County north of San Francisco June 29-July 3, 2007, visit www.asdreams.org and join us for lectures, workshops, a Dream Ball, and lots of learning and fun! may your dreams be fascinating and insight-rich!
Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.
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Gayle Delaney, Ph.D., took your questions on dream analysis. She is founding president of the International Association for the Study of Dreams, has authored seven books on the subject, and has appeared on "Oprah" and "The Today Show."
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