Dotty Dowd

Ok so I couldn't stay away for that long . . . espcially after reading the esteem able Maureen Dowd's mid-week disjointed rantings. This one is particularly fractured. She starts with network anchors:

In the free fall of TV news, ABC's attempt to create a successor for Ted Koppel's "Nightline" will go down as one of the most hilariously embarrassing moments.

One show tested recently, according to reports, was set in a nightclub. It had white tablecloths, candles, a jazz quintet, a live audience at little tables and - this is not a joke - faux fog.

We've gone from the fog of war to the fog of news.

Then moves on to her habitual Rupert reflection:

In Washington last week, Rupert Murdoch echoed Mr. Moonves in giving the American Society of Newspaper Editors some bad news about young people in the age of the Internet, blogging and cable news:

"They don't want to rely on the morning paper for their up-to-date information. They don't want to rely on a god-like figure from above to tell them what's important. ... They certainly don't want news presented as gospel."

She has special antipathy for the new Pope. I'm particularly amazed (OK, not really) at her reaction and those on the editorial staffs of the major newspapers. They've already passed judgment. Talk about Christian . . .

The white smoke yesterday signaled that the Vatican thinks what it needs to bring it into modernity is the oldest pope since the 18th century: Joseph Ratzinger, a 78-year-old hidebound archconservative who ran the office that used to be called the Inquisition and who once belonged to Hitler Youth. For American Catholics - especially women and Democratic pro-choice Catholic pols - the cafeteria is officially closed. After all, Cardinal Ratzinger, nicknamed "God's Rottweiler" and "the Enforcer," helped deny Communion rights to John Kerry and other Catholic politicians in the 2004 election.

The only other job this pope would be qualified for is "60 Minutes" anchor.

OK, let's take a look at this last bit. She first takes a swipe at the cardinals by slammin' them for voting for "the oldest pope since the 18th century". Just like a Lib to use agism to make her point. But she's not done, the Spanish Inquistion was abolished in the early 19th century: "In 1965, the P.R.-sensitive Pope Paul VI rebranded the Inquisition as the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith...Paul VI even revoked its ability to ban books, leaving the Inquisition toothless and largely irrelevant going into the 21st century." This doesn't stop her from implying something evil.

I think she especially guilt of the sin of omission when she invokes the Hitler Youth card. She should continued... all youths in Bavaria were required to join the Hitler Youth and of course she omits the fact Ratzinger deserted Hitler's army! But I guess the specifics can be omitted if it's necessary to make a point...

Finally, I don't seem to remember Sen. Kerry being denied communion, so I don't know how "the Rottweiler" could be condemned for this. I've more to say on this, but I'll need to file that in another post.

What would be a Dowd post with out the obligatory Bush-bash:

President Bush has also long acted as if he channeled the voice of God...Mr. Bush's more subtle obeisance to the evangelical right is no longer enough. Puffed up with its electoral clout, the Christian right now wants politicians to genuflect openly.

Just when I think 'what the hell' when it comes to the Media, I stumble across a work of art such as this...

The Light is Dim

I seem to have lost the light... so posting will be thin until I can rekindle it. Sorry.

Nepotism

I know Dave suggested I go Global in my pursuing of life, but I just can't let go of the DeLay mess. SFGate.com has done some research on paying family members as employees of behalf of congressional members.

_ House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas: Wife and daughter were paid more than $500,000 since 2001 for working for DeLay's campaign and political action committees.

_Connecticut Democratic Sen. Joe Lieberman: Son Matthew received about $34,000 and daughter Rebecca about $36,000 for working on the senator's 2004 presidential campaign.

_ Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash.: Nephew Todd Reichert was paid $3,000 last year, plus several hundred dollars for mileage, for serving as driver.

_ California Democratic Rep. Fortney "Pete" Stark: Wife Deborah earns $2,400 a month for serving as campaign consultant.

_ Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Calif.: Wife Arlene Willis serves as congressional chief of staff at a salary of nearly $111,000.

_ Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich.: Wife Laurie Stupak earned about $36,000 annually the past two years as the finance director for her husband's campaign.

_ Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio: Wife Elizabeth was paid about $1,730 a month during his 2004 campaign. She has worked as a campaign consultant for him since the 2001 election cycle.

_ Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif.: Cousin Ken Costa made about $45,000 for serving as a co-campaign manager last year.

_ Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah: Three college-age children worked on his campaign last year. Emily was paid $5,425, Jane $9,508 and Laura $17,766.

_ Rep. Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn.: Sister-in-law Sharon Davis has been his campaign treasurer since 1994,and daughter Libby Davis was his campaign coordinator in the last half of 2004. Libby Davis was paid about $2,334 a month; Sharon Davis was paid about $1,000 a month for bookkeeping last year.

_ Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, employs his wife, Kathy, as his campaign manager. She was paid $21,791 over four months, including a $7,500 bonus last November.

_ New York Democratic Rep. Tim Bishop: Daughter Molly was paid $46,995 as his 2004 campaign's finance director.

_ California Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher: Wife Rhonda Carmony makes $40,000 a year as his campaign manager.

Now there are examples here of spouses performing legitimate functions, but man it still smells so bad. Just because it's legal doesn't me it's right. How is nepotism handled in the Corporate world? It's not tolerated. Why should it be acceptable in our legislature?

Slow Time

Sorryfor the lack of blogging. Many factors responsible for this but nothing major.

First, I'm just tired of most political crap., but what's new. Most politicians are whores no matter what party, from DeLay to Harkin to Boxer to Santorum.

Second, this crap on Schaivo. I've never been so disgusted with people's action regarding an issue before. I was disgusted in the fact it became a Media Event and even more so when Congress decided to get involved.

Finally, I bought my first hand held game - - a new Sony PSP. My son has a Nintendo DS as gift from SC, but I finally broke down an purchased the new multi media PSP. It's GREAT!!! So I lost myself in it.

Well, I've moved my office to my home now that the Lab has moved to downtown Seattle, so I may have an opportunity to get back in the groove...we'll see.

Death Watch Deux

OK, now that we've gotten the death watches out of the way, life can go on. . . At least for awhile. Although, I'll be interested in the upcoming Conclave. Now the Real Politicks (sic) begin! ! !