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Saturday Morning OpenThread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 10:12:10 AM EST
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There's college basketball today and tonight. I'm taking Kentucky (-2) and VCU (+3).

Open Thread.

< Friday Afternoon Open Thread | Obama to Announce Re-Election Bid, Hopes to Raise $1 Billion >

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    Saturday Morning OpenThread | 41 comments (41 topical)

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    Looks like Bill Moyers (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by brodie on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 10:49:21 AM EST
    wants to get back to PBS with another weekly show. Apparently working on that memoir about his LBJ years wasn't going too well or he missed being in the public spotlight on teevee.

    Jack Shafer at Slate with a semi-snarky take on Moyers as the Brett Favre of PBS, along with a reminder of some of the bad stuff he was involved in working for Lyndon.

    Good news if he works out a deal with PBS -- his replacement, the two hosts being blandly center-left (the black woman who used to be at NPR) and blandly center-right (Meacham), were an unwatchable snoozefest.  

    Still, Moyers owes us a full and honest accounting of those Johnson years ...

    The Moyers bit ... (none / 0) (#2)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 01:21:52 PM EST
    doesn't surprise me.

    He never seemed like the "retiring type" in either sense of that term.

    Parent

    A thought which (none / 0) (#21)
    by brodie on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 08:57:53 PM EST
    occurred to me -- Moyers may be waiting out Rbt Caro whose final volume on LBJ is nearly 10 years now in the making.  Just thinking Moyers (who didn't cooperate with Caro in giving interviews about his ex boss) may not want to "remember" certain things he did back then, and is waiting to see how much Caro uncovered about those episodes, then will publish carefully taking into account what Caro did and didn't say.

    That said, I do hope he gets back to PBS, preferably with his original hour-long interview program.

    Parent

    What do you want Moyers (none / 0) (#37)
    by cal1942 on Sun Apr 03, 2011 at 12:43:10 AM EST
    to say about his years in the Johnson administration?

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    The truth, the whole truth, (none / 0) (#39)
    by brodie on Sun Apr 03, 2011 at 09:35:14 AM EST
    and nothing but the truth, so help me [insert name of Moyers' favorite deity here].

    I think he's basically a good guy, but there have been times ... such as when he helped manipulate the press on VN (per LBJ's orders), including (iirc) looking into ways of attacking them personally for not toeing the admin line, the business about investigating admin members (as per Shafer) for homosexual inclinations, working with other admin people to publicly attack and discredit MLK for his public opposition to Johnson's War (1967 Riverside Church speech), etc.

    Those are just the things that have made it into print over the years.  That usually means there is more.  

    I like Moyers, but he's not a saint.  And apparently took loyalty to his boss much too far too often in the past ...

    Parent

    Planning for the future (5.00 / 2) (#3)
    by CoralGables on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 01:33:53 PM EST
    Does anyone have Marge Simpson's recipe for three-eyed fish handy?

    Stiglitz article (5.00 / 4) (#5)
    by BackFromOhio on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 01:56:41 PM EST
    at Vanity Fair

    link at real clear politics or

    LINK

    Thanks for the link (5.00 / 0) (#11)
    by NYShooter on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 05:24:53 PM EST
    and I will read the article. But, from the title, it sounds like more of what we already know.

    The problem isn't that a small group of immoral vermin, masquerading as businessmen and political "leaders," have seized control of our democracy. The problem is that a large majority of ordinary, working class citizens not only permit it, they actively cheer them on.

    A lot has already been written about the psychology as to why the "victims" aid and abet the hostage takers. The best description I've found is by Charles Pierce in his book, "Idiot America." I believe it's excerpted in "Esquire."

    Found the link.

    Parent

    It's an outstanding (5.00 / 0) (#24)
    by brodie on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 09:25:45 PM EST
    piece by Stiglitz.  I just wish some reporter at the next presser or some courageous citizen at the next town hall, could have a few of Stiglitz' numbers at the ready and throw them back at Obama as part of a very direct and discomforting comment/question.  

    The trend didn't start with his presidency, but it's getting no better on his watch, and I've yet to hear him fully address some of the embarrassing, and dangerous, economic disparity stats the author brings up.

    I've called Obama Ike-like in his desire to be bipartisan and likable and friendly to big business, but I still scratch my head that this alleged Dem president is allowing the middle class to suffer for so long while the rich continue to get richer.

    Parent

    Cool...thanks (none / 0) (#31)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 10:25:52 PM EST


    Parent
    Many TalkLeftists will enjoy (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by Peter G on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 07:39:40 PM EST
    this post -- and comments -- from the Reality Based Community for yesterday, April 1. Or maybe not.

    Okay, Peter (none / 0) (#17)
    by Zorba on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 07:49:41 PM EST
    I just spewed some very nice Riesling on my keyboard.  "Is not!  Is so!"  Sounds like my kids when they were about 5 or 6 years old.  Thanks for the laugh!

    Parent
    According to a (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 07:55:59 PM EST
    diary over at the orange, they have enough signatures to recall one of the WI GOP state senators with almost enough to recall the second. I'm sure they're probably getting enough to recall the Gov. while they're at it.

    Humanitarian? Really? (5.00 / 2) (#19)
    by Dadler on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 08:12:50 PM EST
    Deal with Saudis exposes the farce of calling any of this Libya action humanitarian. (LINK)

    Superstition (5.00 / 0) (#30)
    by christinep on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 10:25:23 PM EST
    So...I've been quietly (sotto voce almost) rooting for Butler. Why? It's those years in Indiana...even tho at IU...it's still those years in Indiana. Very few people escape Indiana free of the basketball hook. I tried to ignore it this year by only looking over the shoulder a bit here & there at Butler.  

    The old basketball thing. Many years ago--before it was feasible to do otherwise--I listened via the old-fangled telephone to a Bloomington, Ind. radiocast of an IU-Michigan game (when long-distance rates cost.)  Ah well.... Hmmmm. 'Guess I'll give in & watch Monday. With a loud voice: GO BUTLER!

    Although I often disagree with your (none / 0) (#36)
    by caseyOR on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 11:41:57 PM EST
    comments, christinep, on this we are in complete agreement.

    GO, BUTLER!!

    (maybe 'cause we both hail from midwest "I" states.)

    Parent

    If you haven't seen 'Inside Job' (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Apr 03, 2011 at 08:12:19 AM EST
    yet, here is an opportunity to see it today in your spare time at Open Culture.

    Go VCU!!! (none / 0) (#4)
    by Realleft on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 01:39:51 PM EST


    Butler (none / 0) (#6)
    by Madeline on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 02:36:08 PM EST
    +2

    Oh, be still my heart...I think I see a little bit (none / 0) (#8)
    by Anne on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 03:59:16 PM EST
    of sun peeking through the gray; it seems like it's been forever since the sun was out for more than a minute or two, and I think what I'm seeing now will be fleeting, as well.

    Supposed to be warm and sunny for Monday, but I'll believe it when I see it - Monday is the Orioles' home-opener, and sometimes I think the weather forecast is usually overly rosy just to make sure as many people as possible show up at the ballpark (and when you've had 13 losing seasons, every little bit helps!).

    Seriously though, Jeremy Guthrie pitched lights-out against the Rays last night; I will be happy to see the O's get 10 more wins than they did last year, but not ready to predict a winning season (and now tihe Matusz on the DL for at least 15 days, probably more like 5 weeks, and Zach Britton being called up from triple-A...well, I just don't know).  If they were in any other division, they might be contenders, but the AL East?  Not gonna happen.

    The O's (none / 0) (#12)
    by Dadler on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 05:40:26 PM EST
    Talk about a franchise that deserves a good season.  Where have you gone, Kenny Singleton?

    On a related geographical not, my former roommate's son was just accepted to the University of Maryland.  The kid is thrilled to be a Terp.

    Have a great day.

    Parent

    Will be walking golf's hallowed (none / 0) (#9)
    by BTAL on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 04:39:47 PM EST
    grounds of Augusta National on Monday.  Don't care if I see any of the big name players practicing, just the opportunity to be there is a duffers dream come true.

    Don't forget (none / 0) (#10)
    by CoralGables on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 04:53:54 PM EST
    to have a pimento cheese sandwich for about a buck and a half. Inflation in recent years has taken it up over a dollar.

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    Pads 11 Cards 3 @ Busch (none / 0) (#13)
    by oculus on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 06:50:21 PM EST
    My niece, usually a rabid Cards fan, tells me she is finishing March Madness and then will follow the Cards. Very convenient!

    Je suis (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by Zorba on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 07:45:03 PM EST
    très désolé.  And I mean it- the Cards are causing me heartburn at this point, although I know it's very early times.   :-(

    Parent
    The Cubs beat the Pirates 5-3. (none / 0) (#20)
    by caseyOR on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 08:40:24 PM EST
    Yeah, my guys lost yesterday, but they won today. So, yeah! Oh, and nobody hit into a double play, not even once. : ).

    Parent
    I don't (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by Zorba on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 09:09:48 PM EST
    want to hear about it, thank you very much, casey.  ;-)

    Parent
    Rudy LaRussa and his (none / 0) (#23)
    by brodie on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 09:17:06 PM EST
    Cardinalés need to be punished and punished severely for Rudy's coming out like a reactionary Tea Bagger last year.  Then there was the unfortunate Mark McGwire juiced-up HR race business a few years before that, also on Rudy's watch.

    Not a big fan of the redbirds these days.  With all due apologies to Zorba and Sunt Louie resident Bob Costas, one of my favorite all-time announcers.

    Parent

    I think you mean (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by Zorba on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 09:36:15 PM EST
    Tony LaRussa.  And yes, he spoke out in favor of the odious anti-immigrant Arizona SB 1070.  Tony's a jerk.  That doesn't mean that I want the Cards to be punished for their manager's idiocy.  (As for Mark McGwire- I think you'd have to punish most, if not all, MLB managers and teams, because sure as I'm sitting here typing, steroids and steroid-like compounds have been and are rampant in baseball, and if you think that's not still true, I'm afraid that you're quite naive.)

    Parent
    Right, Tony -- (none / 0) (#34)
    by brodie on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 10:49:31 PM EST
    Rudy I must have conflated with a pretty good, rugged NBAer of a similar last name on the Warriors and Lakers from my youth, and typed as I was watching basketball Final Four.  That's my story anyway, and I'm sticking to it.  

    As for McGwire and the rest, while I'm aware PEDs were widespread back then, I've still gotta blame the big guys a little more, especially the ones tarnishing some pretty famous and his cherished baseball records.  But I was mostly looking just to pile some more dirt on Rudy -- er Tony -- with the McGwire link. Not that I think he was entirely innocent in the whole matter ...

    Btw, I wouldn't disagree that a lot of illegal/improper PED use still occurs in baseball (as with football), though the HR numbers for players are no longer as gaudy as 10-15 years ago and so probably the use is of more moderate substances.

    Parent

    How do you create (none / 0) (#28)
    by Peter G on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 09:46:31 PM EST
    accents aigu et grave in HTML, Zorba?

    Parent
    Either type what you want to say (none / 0) (#29)
    by Zorba on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 10:03:57 PM EST
    in Google (without accents, obviously) and highlight, copy and paste into your comment here from the URL you want, or use Google Translate and do the same.  Do not use Babblefish- it sucks.  (In any translation program, you will most likely have to fool around with the wording of the English until you get the proper foreign translation, BTW.)

    Parent
    or try this (none / 0) (#32)
    by Peter G on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 10:30:02 PM EST
    (result of a bit of googling).

    Parent
    Yes, but that's (none / 0) (#33)
    by Zorba on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 10:33:30 PM EST
    kind of a royal pain in the wazoo.  ;-)

    Parent
    Butler wins! (none / 0) (#14)
    by Madeline on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 07:28:27 PM EST
    70-62

    Went to see the new movie, "Win Win" (none / 0) (#25)
    by shoephone on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 09:26:48 PM EST
    this afternoon. I loved it and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to laugh a lot.

    My daughter's boyfriend was a (none / 0) (#26)
    by Anne on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 09:36:13 PM EST
    wrestler in high school, and I've been telling him he needs to go see this movie; glad to hear it's worth seeing!

    Parent
    The wrestling scenes are fun (none / 0) (#35)
    by shoephone on Sat Apr 02, 2011 at 11:17:55 PM EST
    The movie hit the mark for me on every account, especially the family and friend relationships. The writing, directing, and acting all work together to form a very complete movie. I'll probably go see it again in a few weeks, something I hardly ever do anymore!

    Parent
    What is a Moslum? (none / 0) (#40)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Apr 03, 2011 at 10:58:03 AM EST
    I just heard Terry Jones talking about the Moslums.  While people argue about whether or not Terry Jones is responsible for what happened to the UN workers verses freedom of speech, my husband wants to scrap the whole debate.  He doesn't want to waste anymore time debating this, he wants to invite Terry Jones to Kabul to freedom of speech with Afghans.  He says he will pay his way there....and back I guess....and he will pay for first class.  He thinks that he might be able to raise some funds so that 20 of his congregation could go too if they want to.

    Terry Jones-- is it free speech or is it (none / 0) (#41)
    by caseyOR on Sun Apr 03, 2011 at 04:47:45 PM EST
    aiding and abetting terrorists? Seriously, given the way our government defines and redefines the Patriot Act and various secret executive powers, why is Terry Jones not the brig?

    His actions have already caused more deaths than anything Bradley Manning did.

    Parent

    True (none / 0) (#42)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Apr 03, 2011 at 11:07:54 PM EST


    Parent
    Saturday Morning OpenThread | 41 comments (41 topical)

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