All posts by Dr. ESP

In Case You Forgot

Culture, Sports

Every Super Bowl has a back story.  Sometimes, that behind the scenes drama is so compelling, the event is referred to by a nickname.  When brothers Jim and John, head coaches of the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens, respectively, faced off in Super Bowl XLVII (2013) it was tagged “the Harbaugh Bowl.”  And each annual contest between the NFL’s best is memorialized in a single image.  Last night’s game was no exception.

Welcome to the “Nepo Baby Bowl.” For those unfamiliar with the term, it refers to celebrities who are born to famous parents with similar careers.  Among the most famous is Gwyneth Paltrow, daughter of actress Blythe Danner and director/producer Bruce Paltrow.  Or Martin Sheen’s sons, Charlie and Emilio Estevez.  The field during Super Bowl LVIII was littered (pun intended) with nepo babies.

  • Eventual MVP Patrick Mahomes is the offspring of former New York Mets pitcher Pat Mahomes.
  • 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey learned the game from his father Ed, who was an All-American receiver at Stanford University and spent 13 seasons in the NFL including three Super Bowl championships.
  • And of course, there is 49er head coach Kyle Shanahan who is following in his father Mike’s footsteps.  Among the storylines for Sunday’s game was, “Would this be the day when son Kyle joins his dad as head coach of a Super Bowl champion?”

But, as Arlo Guthrie would say, that’s not what I came here to talk about.  Instead, I want to go back to the defining image during last night’s broadcast.  If the game itself was of primary interest, the outcome might be captured by one of three photographs.  For some, it was the moment Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal blocked Jake Moody’s extra point.  Or when a punt inadvertently struck 49er Darrel Luter’s foot which led to a Chiefs touchdown on the next play. Or Mahomes’ three-yard touchdown pass in overtime to relatively unknown Mecole Hardman which sealed the Chiefs’ victory.

Maybe you tuned in for the entertainment provided by a host of performers before the game and culminating in Usher’s halftime performance, a soul and rap montage, reminiscent of an earlier time when Dick Clark would tour the United States with his “Caravan of Stars.”  For the record, I find the halftime extravaganza, regardless who headlines the performance, a great opportunity to start solving the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle.  To the chagrin of 49er fans, once again, the extended mid-game break turned out to be a momentum changer.

Finally, no discussion of Super Bowl LVIII would be complete without a reference to Tay-Tay and Kel-Kel.  For those who bet on the over/under, during the game, Taylor Swift appeared on-screen 12 times for a total of 53 seconds.  But the main event was the couple’s on-field reunion after the trophy ceremony.

Even Joe Biden’s deep state could not have pulled off such a complete American experience, though he trolled the MAGA/QAnon snowflakes with the Tweet, “Just like we drew it up.”  But the moment and image that truly represented the America we so often think is in the rearview mirror occurred before the kickoff.  It was a brief shot of Chief’s defensive tackle Chris Jones during Reba McIntyre’s rendition of The Star Spangled Banner (below).

Jones is no “nepo baby.”  He was born in Houston, Mississippi, the son of a furniture factory worker.  According to his profile on the Chiefs’ website, when Jones was in the fourth grade, his father was jailed for nearly a decade after a DUI arrest.  Despite the odds, Jones proved his football credentials first at Houston High School, then Mississippi State University and as a second-round draft choice of the Kansas City Chiefs.

One can only imagine the pent-up emotions which produced that tear.  Having made his mother and father proud.  Gratitude to those who contributed to his development as a football player and a selfless member of his community.  Remembering the bedroom at his grandmother’s home he shared with 10 other family members while he was in high school.  Or the physical contrast between Allegiant Stadium and his humble surroundings as a child.

At a time when so many Americans question whether the United States is still the land of opportunity, ask Chris Jones.  Recalling his own journey, he would likely echo comedian Yakov Smirnoff’s tag line, “Is this a great country or what?”

For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP

 

Random Thoughts 2/8/24

Random Thoughts

You are probably getting tired of my repeating a favorite quote from Edward R. Murrow.  “The obscure we see eventually.  The completely obvious, it seems take longer.”  This adage. however, is more apt than ever in the past 48 hours.

NOT ROCKET JUSTICE

It is 10:03 am on February 8, 2024.  The U.S. Supreme Court has just begun oral arguments in Trump v. Anderson, by which Donald Trump is asking the Court to overturn the ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court making him ineligible to be on the state’s primary ballot for having engaged in an insurrection in accordance with Amendment 14, Section 3 of the Constitution.  This morning, there was a lot of handwringing by legal scholars and political pundits about the outcome, but equally important, the impact on a Supreme Court that has lost favor with an increasing majority of Americans. 

University of Alabama law professor Joyce Vance explained the Court will likely further alienate half the population regardless of which course they choose.  Referring to removing Trump from the Colorado ballot and likely other states, she said, “You’re damned if you do; damned if you don’t.  In these cases, your best bet is to do the right thing.”  

But sometime RIGHT can also be EXPEDIANT.  There is, I believe, a simple solution.  Although the justices are hearing oral arguments today, I am sure they are already well versed in both sides’ claims and could issue an opinion this afternoon.  But I suggest they wait until Wednesday and give the nation a Valentine.  Here is why.

The 11th District Court of Appeals, which unanimously ruled Trump has no immunity as a citizen to criminal prosecution, gave Trump’s legal counsel until Monday to file an appeal to the Supreme Court.  No doubt “last minute Donald” will have his attorney’s file the appeal at 4:59 pm on 4/12.  The Supremes will likely give Jack Smith the same five days to respond.  The already completed appeal will be filed at 10:00 am on 2/13.  The justices will take the rest of Tuesday to have clerks review the filings for any surprises and to prepare a final draft of the Colorado decision.

On 2/14 the Supreme Court announces it has made two decisions.  In the case of Trump v. Anderson, they rule in Trump’s favor on a technicality which I have always said is a hurdle. Lacking a conviction of engaging in or providing aid and comfort to an insurrection, the Court unanimously rules the Amendment 14-3 is not self executing.  However, the Court does believe that the American public has a right to know if a candidate has conspired to overthrow a fair and secure election of the nation’s chief executive.  Therefore, the Court, based on the unimpeachable opinion issued by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, denies certiorari in the immunity case.  Furthermore, the original stay in this case is permanently lifted and Judge Tanya Chutkan is authorized to proceed with scheduling and conducting the United States v. Trump trial with all deliberate speed.

Happy Valentines Day!  Here is half of a candy “I LUV U” heart for everyone.

THE GHOST OF SADDAM HUSSEIM

This morning, president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations Richard Haass laid out Iran’s motives for backing and funding numerous terrorist militias in the Middle East.  Haass claimed the Israel/Hamas conflict offered a window for Iran to solidify its influence in several Middle East countries including Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.  The broadcast also included an interview with Kurdistan prime minister Masrour Barzani who feared if the Iran government forces a U.S. retreat from the region, the Kurds, who have been an American ally in the fight against ISIS, will pay the price.

If only we had a nation that could counterbalance Iran’s position in the region.  Oh wait!  We did!  It was Iraq until George W. Bush and Dick Cheney preemptively overthrew the government on false pretenses.  And we, as well as our Kurdish allies, are stilling paying the price.

ROTARY FIRING SQUAD

In a recent blog, I mentioned that, at one time, I was a member of my local Rotary Club along with Congressman Aaron Bean (R-FL 4).  At the heart of membership is the motto “Service Above Self” and the Rotary Four Way Test.

  1. Is it the TRUTH?
  2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
  4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Too bad Aaron does not believe the Four Way Test applies to his service in the House of Representatives.  He supports Trump and “the big lie.”  In August 2023, the Jacksonville NBC affiliate reported Bean called Trump’s indictments unfair.  He is quoted as saying, “We always took pride in that there was a blind justice in our country, but it appears that Lady Justice now is peeking from her blindfold, and checking, what’s the letter behind your name before I take, I seek justice?” If justice was blind, Trump would have been treated exactly like Reality Winner, the NSA translator who spent four years in prison for leaking a single document. So much for the TRUTH.

On Tuesday, he voted to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas although the resolution drafted by Majorie Taylor Greene identifies no high crimes or misdemeanors as required by the U.S. Constitution.  When someone does not play by the rules, how FAIR is that?

Finally. this week he joined House Speaker Mike Johnson and an overwhelming majority of GOP senators and representatives who killed a bipartisan national security bill, despite support by the Border Patrol Union.  Why?  Because Joe Biden and Democrats might get some credit for addressing the issue.  And that would hurt Trump’s chances of re-election.  I guess Aaron thinks the ALL in the four-way test is not Americans who say immigration is a major concern, Ukrainians who are fighting to save their democracy, Israelis trying to crush Hamas, humanitarian aid to innocent Palestinians in Gaza or our Pacific allies who face a growing military threat from China and North Korea.  In this case, Aaron’s definition of ALL is Donald Trump and his standing in his own political party.

For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP

Occam’s Razor

Politics

If you ever questioned why the state of Florida has turned deep red after voting twice for Barack Obama, look no further than the state and local Democratic Committees.  Yesterday, consistent with Occam’s razor–all things being equal, the simplest answer is usually correct–I reached the following conclusion.

At 8:30 am EST, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported:

  • Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 353,000 in January
  • The unemployment rate remained at 3.7 percent
  • Average hourly earnings year over year rose by 4.5 percent, higher than the annual inflation rate of 3.5 percent, signaling a real increase in household buying power.

CNBC analyst Rick Santelli described the report this way.  “The first jobs report jobs, job jobs of ’24 is out and it is… WHOPPER!”

Former Trump economic advisor and FOX business analyst Larry Kudlow piled on, “I was wrong about the slowdown and the recession. So was the entire forecasting fraternity.”  After Joe Biden’s comments on the good economic news, Kudlow added, “If I were he, I would be bragging about it too.”

And earlier this week, Donald Trump was so impressed with the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P being in record territory, he tried to take credit for it. In an all caps post on UN-Truth Social, Trump declared. as usual with no evidence, “THIS IS THE TRUMP STOCK MARKET.  BECAUSE MY POLLS AGAINST BIDEN ARE SO GOOD THAT INVESTORS ARE PROJECTING THAT I WILL WIN, AND THAT WILL DRIVE THE MARKET UP.”  For the record, on the last day before Biden was elected president in 2020, the S&P stood at 3,270.  On yesterday’s positive economic news, the S&P rose another 52.42 to close at 4,959.

Yet, on the very day when literally everyone was rejoicing over the unprecedented post-pandemic economic recovery, my congressman Aaron Bean emailed a newsletter in which he claimed, “Biden’s economy has wreaked havoc on American families. In the fight to restore our nation’s prosperity, I’m proud to support the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act..”   His assessment is hard to reconcile with the fact the bill would not have passed without more Democratic than Republican votes and the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index hit a two year high in January.

What was our local Democratic Committee’s response to Aaron Bean’s disinformation campaign?  Crickets!!  And they wonder why so many Democrats do not contribute to the Committee or why there is a lack of enthusiasm among Democratic voters.  Or they are unable to recruit quality candidates to run in local elections.  For me, it’s now personal.  Last week I sent the Nassau County Democratic Party chair a copy of my “If I Did It” post.  I suggested there was a case to be made that Aaron had done very little for district residents and offered to do anything I could to work with them and anyone who would challenge Aaron for the 4th district seat in the House of Representatives.  I’m still waiting for a response.  Even a thank you, but no thank you would suggest they at least bothered to read it.

In 1992, Bill Clinton told us, “Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow.”  In 2008, Barack Obama rallies opened with songs like Steve Wonder’s “Fired Up! Ready to Go” or will.i.am’s “Yes We Can!”  In 2020, Joe Biden often came on stage to his late son Beau’s favorite, Cold Play’s “Sky Full of Stars.”  Sadly, in 2024, the Florida Democratic Party appears to be marching to the tune of “Sounds of Silence.”

For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP

Deprog101 Challenge #1

Culture

[Blogger’s NOTE:  The latest Quinnipiac poll, in which Joe Biden jumped to a six point lead (50-44) is evidence Donald Trump is stuck at a ceiling in the mid-40s while Biden’s previous lows were a floor.  Additionally, Trump’s behavior in and out of the courtroom has alienated women and independents increasing Biden’s margin among these all important constituencies.  Based on this trend, I thought it might be time to take a break and explore the less serious side of the current political discourse.]

Back in the days of young adult mystery series such as Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, there were also the tales of an adventurous young scientist whose stories involved space ships, ray guns and other futuristic inventions.  An endearing feature of the Tom Swift novels was author Victor Appleton’s use of adverbs or synonyms for the word “said” to enhance the characters’ dialogue.  A terse response might include the phrase, “Tom said quickly.”  Or when he hesitated, Appleton would add, “Tom stammered.”

In response, fans of Appleton’s work created a parlor game which became known as “Tom Swifties.”  The goal was to emulate the author’s style with the addition of a pun.  The following is the oft-cited classic example.

“If you want me, I shall be in the attic,” Tom said loftily.

Tom Swifties gained popularity following a May 13, 1963 article in Time magazine which included a contest where readers were encouraged to share their own creations.  Below are a couple of my all-time favorites.

“What our team needs is a home run hitter,” Tom said ruthlessly.

“We just struck oil,” Tom gushed.

Based on the GOP’s obsession with another Swift, I wondered if it might be time to revive the pastime, this time under the banner “Taylor Swifties.”  Consider the following examples.

“I think it’s time to put Senator Grassley from Iowa out to pasture,” Taylor chuckled.

“I’ll take my fans over his supporters any day of the year,” Taylor trumpeted.

“I’m pretty sure there is a deep state conspiracy behind the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run, although I have no evidence,” PizzaGate theorist Jack Posbiec  fumbled.

To enter the Deprog101 Challenge #1, submit your “Taylor Swifties” as comments to this post.  “The winner will receive a free life-time subscription to this blog,” Dr. ESP said frugally.

For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP

If I Did It

Politics

Tagline:  Confessions of a Reluctant Congressional Candidate

Every morning I wake up wondering if any Democrat is going to run for Congress in my home district (Florida 4th).  So far, according to BALLOTPEDIA.ORG, there are three announced candidates:

  • Incumbent Republican Aaron Bean
  • Republican Challenger Robert Alvero
  • Unaffiliated Write-in Candidate Todd Schaefer

BALLOTPEDIA asks each candidate to answer a series of questions including, “What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?”  Alvero, who appears to have relied too heavily on SpellCheck,  responded:

I perceive that (sic) Unites (sic) States greatest challenge as a nation over the next decade is going to be unite the country in one common cause and keeping the young generation focused on getting the country back up to the (sic) former glory.

Schaefer provides an equally generic but more populous response.

We are at a very divisive time in our country. Both parties are trying to convince us that our neighbor is our enemy to distract from the core rot of the system. If we don’t wake up and realize that we have more in common than they’d have us argue about, more people will be disenfranchised from participating in the system consolidating even more power at the top. The world is watching as this is happening. We’re already losing our influence on the world stage and US foreign policy will lead to our isolation if not worse.

Every announced candidate, including Bean, is eager to tell you what is wrong with America but has offered no solutions.  As the late, great Baltimore Sun journalist and essayist H. L. Mencken once wrote:

The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary.

Maybe it is time for someone to practice “impractical politics.”  That is why my day begins thinking about what that might look like.  The following imaginary announcement of my entry into the race for Representative from the 4th District of Florida presents what I believe is a constructive and compelling argument.

Today, I am announcing my candidacy for Congress from the 4th District of Florida.  To be clear, I am not running against the incumbent Aaron Bean.  The Bean family has a long record of service and commitment to our community.  Aaron is a good and decent person who I consider a friend.  I simply believe he is in the wrong job and that the citizens of the 4th district deserve better.

Like many of you, I get Aaron’s newsletters and press releases.  And every time I end up with the same conclusion.  I know what Aaron is against.  But what is he for and what has he done about it.  This was most clear from his end of year message when he listed his accomplishments from his first year in office.  60,000 responses to constituent letters.  432 constituent meetings and town halls.  Telephone Town Halls with more than 40,000 constituents.  And through constituent services, he helped taxpayers recover over a million dollars in benefits, something every Congressman is expected to do.

You immediately realize what is NOT on his list of accomplishments.  A single piece of enacted legislation.  According to Article I, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution that is the main purpose of Congress.  All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

Think about that.  Aaron Bean is one of 435 individuals empowered to do the Nation’s business.  To solve problems and create opportunities for the American people.  He and his Republican colleagues have been quick to identify problems and blame the opposition, but have nothing to show for solving them.  Let me give you a few examples.

How many of you are concerned about what Aaron refers to as unprotected borders on his website?  Guess what?  So am I.  And a bipartisan coalition of Senators has proposed the strongest response to that concern.  And what has been Aaron’s response.  Rather than jump on this opportunity, he has sided with Speaker Mike Johnson to block House consideration of the Senate bill because they would prefer to make the border a campaign issue for Donald Trump rather than address the problem.

How many of you are concerned about the safety of your children when they go to school or a movie or a concert or to their church, synagogue or mosque?  So am I.  Aaron wants you to believe mental health, not guns, is the issue.  Let’s assume he is correct.  What has he done to ensure that a mentally ill individual who cannot pass a background check to purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer can immediately go on the internet or find a private seller who will make that transaction.  I know the overwhelming majority of 4th District residents, including gun owners and NRA members, support universal background checks.  I will vote to make that the law.

How many of you think gas prices, groceries and other consumer goods are too high?  So do I.  And what has Aaron and his GOP colleagues done to solve this.  Nothing.  Instead they claim they will drill, drill, drill even though energy production last year was the highest in U.S. history.  You know what else is the highest in U.S. history.  Oil company profits.  And yet Congress continues to subsidize the oil and gas industry to the tune of $440 billion.  You know what has not increased.  Health care.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price of health care in the U.S. increased by just 0.5 percent in 2023.  And what is the response from the GOP House.  Repeal the Affordable Care Act.  As your congressman I will ensure the future of ACA and challenge subsidies to industries that do not need them.

How many of you are concerned that a pregnant woman has to bleed out in a hospital parking lot until she is close enough to dying before her doctor will risk his license or prosecution to save her?  I am too.  And what is Aaron’s response.  On his website, he decries, and I quote, “federal overreach by a government attempting to tell us that they know what is best.”  But that seems not to apply to a woman’s reproductive health. Or a 10 year child who has been raped by her stepfather.  I will work with members of both parties to ensure that health decisions remain between a woman, her family and her physician, not a state legislature or court.

How many of you are concerned about a loss of respect for law and order?  Again, so I am.  Aaron Bean says he is on his website.  Yet, on January 21, he endorsed Donald Trump for President.  A man who says he is willing to suspend the U.S. Constitution if necessary.  A man who suggested the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff should be executed because he did his job, easing concerns by his Chinese counterpart on January 6.  A man found liable by a jury of his peers for sexual assault and defamation.  A man who admits he withheld classified documents and waved them in front of individuals who have no security clearance.  A man who thinks the President of the United States should have complete immunity from prosecution even when he “crosses the line.”  And cross the line he has.  Ignoring the 60 state and federal courts which told him he lost the 2020 election.  Pressuring state election officials to falsify vote counts.  Supporting a plot to substitute fake electors for those duly elected by the voters in six states.  Inciting a mob to attack the U.S. Capitol during the constitution process of counting the electoral votes.  And most egregious, watching and re-watching his supporters attack and injure over 150 law enforcement officers on January 6.

How many of you are concerned about a decline in global respect for the United States?  I wish I knew where my Congressman stands on this issue but he seldom talks about it.  Does he believe after two years of holding off and weakening Vladimir Putin’s army, we should abandon Ukraine?  Does he think Israel can ever have peace while Benjamin Netanyahu is prime minister?  Is he concerned that China will see America’s inaction on these fronts as a license to take over Taiwan?  Does he believe the outcomes in each of these regions has no effect on national security?  There are no easy answers, but silence is not an option.  I look forward to discussing America’s role in a complex geopolitical environment and seeking solutions which make the world a more peaceful place for all people of good will.

During this campaign and as your congressman, I too will answer your letters,  I will hold town halls and when needed I will advocate for each of you when you do not get the government benefits you are entitled to.  But more importantly,  I will press for solutions through legislation and oversight to the issues that affect every one of the 800,000 residents of the 4th District.  Why?  Because Article I, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution and the voters will have given me the legislative power to do exactly that.

Thank you.

Why then, rather than say “If I Did It,” JUST DO IT.  Because no one should jump into a campaign unless he or she is prepared to fully commit to the effort.  You owe that to your supporters, especially donors, and to yourself. I am not sure I can make that promise.

I am more than willing to defer to a younger, more energetic Democratic candidate who I hope would pick up on these themes, yet no one to date has stepped forward.  And when one does, I will be there to help in any way I can.  You know where to find me.

For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP