In 1993's Oslo Accords, Israel acknowledged the PLO negotiating team as "representing the Palestinian people". In return, the PLO recognized Israel's right to exist in peace, and accepted UN Security Council Resolutions 242 (http://www.mideastweb.org/242.htm) and 338 (http://www.mideastweb.org/338.htm).
Two years later a right-wing Israeli extremist gunned down Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin following a peace rally in Tel Aviv. Rabin was widely viewed as the the one Israeli politician who seemed capable of bringing about a genuine peace. Then in 1996, as Israel prepared for elections that would pit Labour's Shimon Peres against Likud's Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas embarked on a deadly terror spree throughout the country. Netanyahu subsequently came to power, and Oslo effectively ended as he increased the pace of illegal settlements on the West Bank. In 1996, the settlement population totaled 140,00. By June of 2009, the estimated total had grown to some 300,000. Since 1967, Israel has built 120 settlements and over 100 "outposts" (settlements by another name) on the West Bank.
Palestinians have been waiting for a viable solution to their plight since 1948. Arab leaders have offered lip service on their behalf when it's expedient to do so (though more often than not they choose to ignore the matter), and the world community has effectively abandoned the Palestinian people.
Is it any wonder then that President Mahmoud Abbas has stated his intention to seek recognition for a Palestinian state at the United Nations this week? If not now, when?
The United States has threatened to veto this effort (in addition to threatening economic sanctions and withdrawal of U.S. government funding from the U.N.), but President Abbas maintains that if Palestine is recognized by the international body he will resume negotiations with Israel over all the issues that divide the two sides. The difference would be that negotiations would now take place between two states, not one powerful state that holds all the cards and a supplicant begging for a few favors.
The impasse has lasted far too long already, and the settlements only continue to multiply. Why not do what's morally right and support a Palestinian state now? It's time for all of us to recognize they're people too, people with rights that include full sovereignty over the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. Peace through justice... imagine that.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Bill Clinton's Common Sense
I'll admit it right up front: after the Monica Lewinsky affair, "common sense" was not an attribute I thought I'd ever assign to Bill Clinton. But here we are in 2011, and the Tea Partiers are clearly determined to bring about the downfall of our nation, while the Republicans are falling all over themselves carrying out Tea Party edicts. In other words, these folks are incapable of offering constructive ideas in the face of our economic stagnation--just more of the same: when in doubt, surrender more of the nation's wealth to those who are already sitting pretty.
On the other hand, in a recent Newsweek article Mr. Clinton offered up numerous common sense ideas for job creation.
To begin with, he argued that in lieu of tax credits for start up companies, Congress should once again allow these credits to be converted into cash equivalents for every employee hired. This had been a part of President Obama's energy policy, but last December the Republicans in Congress refused to extend this benefit--in effect saying "this is a spending program, not a tax cut... we only approve tax cuts."
The former President maintained that the way we produce and use energy today could result in the same massive job growth that information technology provided during his administration. He estimates, for example, that retrofitting buildings all across America would create over a million new jobs. Citing the Empire State building project--which saw hundreds of jobs created, greenhouse gas emissions cut substantuially as overall electricity usage decreased by close to 40%, Mr. Clinton then argued that since 7000 jobs are created for every billion dollars in retrofitting, the construction industry would be kept busy for years--with effects from a million new jobs rippling all through the economy. Schools, colleges, hospitals, state, county, and local government buildings throughout the country from coast to coast are ripe for retrofitting.
While infrastructure initiatives would result in massive job creation, there aren't the votes in Congress to pass another stimulus package. Clinton believes we need to unlock that money and take steps to get U.S. corporations to invest some of the $2 trillion they've accumulated. (Clinton points out that TARP and the stimulus saved us from a second Great Depression. It worked, but didn't entirely "fix" the economy since an $800 billion stimulus simply couldn't fix a $3 trillion hole.) Mr. Clinton maintains that cutting government spending with the economy currently receiving so little private investment is incredibly risky, and will further increase the deficit as tax revenues fall.
With regard to corporate taxes, Mr. Clinton acknowledges ours are the second highest in the world. He advocates lowering the rates while simplifying the tax code and broadening the actual tax base. This way, all
corporations will pay a reasonable amount of tax on their profits. In other words, lower the rates to be competitive, but eliminate the loopholes that cause widespread discrepancies.
Clinton is certainly ready to support individual state initiatives if that's where good ideas are originating. While noting there are 3 million posted job vacancies (and filling them faster would make a huge difference to the economy) he cites a Georgia program where after vacancies go unfilled for a certain period of time, the state offers businesses money to train potential employees. During the training, companies aren't yet employers, so they don't have to start paying Social Security taxes, or benefits. Potential employees are trained the way the company desires, then they hire those who successfully complete that training. Lag time is reduced, and a job vacancy is filled.
In addressing the issue of rules and regulations that can often delay shovel-ready projects by up to 3 years, Mr. Clinton states that the federal government should be able to issue waivers(where there are no environmental concerns) to the states to speed up the starting time for construction projects, for example.
There you have it, a number of solid, thoughtful ideas. Pretty refreshing, wouldn't you say? Alas, I doubt they'll ever be given the very serious consideration they deserve while the "nattering nabobs of negativity" (thanks you Spiro Agnew) Boehner, Cantor, Ryan, McConnell, etc. carry out their plans to undermine the President by any means necessary. I suspect they'd rather torch the country than "compromise", or worse yet, have to forego the media spotlight.
On the other hand, in a recent Newsweek article Mr. Clinton offered up numerous common sense ideas for job creation.
To begin with, he argued that in lieu of tax credits for start up companies, Congress should once again allow these credits to be converted into cash equivalents for every employee hired. This had been a part of President Obama's energy policy, but last December the Republicans in Congress refused to extend this benefit--in effect saying "this is a spending program, not a tax cut... we only approve tax cuts."
The former President maintained that the way we produce and use energy today could result in the same massive job growth that information technology provided during his administration. He estimates, for example, that retrofitting buildings all across America would create over a million new jobs. Citing the Empire State building project--which saw hundreds of jobs created, greenhouse gas emissions cut substantuially as overall electricity usage decreased by close to 40%, Mr. Clinton then argued that since 7000 jobs are created for every billion dollars in retrofitting, the construction industry would be kept busy for years--with effects from a million new jobs rippling all through the economy. Schools, colleges, hospitals, state, county, and local government buildings throughout the country from coast to coast are ripe for retrofitting.
While infrastructure initiatives would result in massive job creation, there aren't the votes in Congress to pass another stimulus package. Clinton believes we need to unlock that money and take steps to get U.S. corporations to invest some of the $2 trillion they've accumulated. (Clinton points out that TARP and the stimulus saved us from a second Great Depression. It worked, but didn't entirely "fix" the economy since an $800 billion stimulus simply couldn't fix a $3 trillion hole.) Mr. Clinton maintains that cutting government spending with the economy currently receiving so little private investment is incredibly risky, and will further increase the deficit as tax revenues fall.
With regard to corporate taxes, Mr. Clinton acknowledges ours are the second highest in the world. He advocates lowering the rates while simplifying the tax code and broadening the actual tax base. This way, all
corporations will pay a reasonable amount of tax on their profits. In other words, lower the rates to be competitive, but eliminate the loopholes that cause widespread discrepancies.
Clinton is certainly ready to support individual state initiatives if that's where good ideas are originating. While noting there are 3 million posted job vacancies (and filling them faster would make a huge difference to the economy) he cites a Georgia program where after vacancies go unfilled for a certain period of time, the state offers businesses money to train potential employees. During the training, companies aren't yet employers, so they don't have to start paying Social Security taxes, or benefits. Potential employees are trained the way the company desires, then they hire those who successfully complete that training. Lag time is reduced, and a job vacancy is filled.
In addressing the issue of rules and regulations that can often delay shovel-ready projects by up to 3 years, Mr. Clinton states that the federal government should be able to issue waivers(where there are no environmental concerns) to the states to speed up the starting time for construction projects, for example.
There you have it, a number of solid, thoughtful ideas. Pretty refreshing, wouldn't you say? Alas, I doubt they'll ever be given the very serious consideration they deserve while the "nattering nabobs of negativity" (thanks you Spiro Agnew) Boehner, Cantor, Ryan, McConnell, etc. carry out their plans to undermine the President by any means necessary. I suspect they'd rather torch the country than "compromise", or worse yet, have to forego the media spotlight.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Rick Perry to Execute Another Innocent Man?
Rick Perry could be at it again. He's anxiously awaiting the opportunity to add yet another notch to his grisly "execution belt". There are 234 notches there already, and it includes a number of individuals who had substantial claims of innocence (notably Cameron Todd Willingham, but undoubtedly including others). The lengths to which Perry goes in attempting to score death penalty points with the red-meat brigades, it's a wonder his campaign bus doesn't tow a death chamber gurney out behind it for maximum effect.
Larry Swearingen was convicted in 1998 for the horrific kidnapping, rape, and murder of a 19 year old college freshman named Melissa Trotter.
Three days after Trotter disappeared, police arrested Swearingen on (non-related) outstanding warrants. When Melissa's body was discovered in the pine woods of Sam Houston National Forest some three weeks later, Swearingen was charged with capital murder.
Although there was no direct evidence linking Swearingen to the murder, he was convicted on circumstantial evidence (including the fact that he was one of the last people to have seen Melissa prior to her disappearance) and sentenced to death. (To read an excellent and detailed account of the case, see Jordan Smith's piece here http://news.yahoo.com/rick-perry-ready-execute-innocent-man-153945525.html )
Medical evidence does not support the state's case, however, and actually points to a different killer. Dr. Llyod White, a deputy medical examiner in Ft. Worth was the first to call the biological evidence into question. In addition to the fact that the male DNA found in Trotter's fingernails does not match Swearingen's, there is tissue evidence supported by more than a half dozen Texas forensic scientists that is completely inconsistent with the state's theory of Trotter's death.
In late 2007, Dr. Joyce Carter who was the chief ME in Houston, and who had performed the autopsy, recanted her trial testimony (which claimed Trotter had likely been dead for 25 days). In fact, a 2009 analysis of the preserved histological evidence (never made available to the defense) revealed Trotter had likely been dead for only two or three days before being left in the woods--in other words, weeks after Swearingen was behind bars. Dr. Stephen Pustilnik, the ME for Galveston County stated "the way biological tissue reacts during decomposition, there's no doubt about it. Period. End of story."
The cellular structures of Trotter's lungs, heart, and vasculature were clearly intact--these are basic structures that break down quickly after death and certainly would not have remained intact in a body exposed to the elements for a month.
Texas courts and prosecutors have a spotty record when it comes to accepting scientific evidence. The doctors in the Swearingen case are adament that the science in question is undeniable. They argue it's simply not possible that Trotter was killed and her body abandoned at that location by Swearingen. Dr. White states this conclusion "is affirmed beyond all reasonable doubt."
One can only hope, and pray, that this matter will be resolved swiftly and fairly in Swearingen's favor, and that the case doesn't wind up anywhere near The Lord High Executioner. We know with certainty what Governor Perry would do...
Larry Swearingen was convicted in 1998 for the horrific kidnapping, rape, and murder of a 19 year old college freshman named Melissa Trotter.
Three days after Trotter disappeared, police arrested Swearingen on (non-related) outstanding warrants. When Melissa's body was discovered in the pine woods of Sam Houston National Forest some three weeks later, Swearingen was charged with capital murder.
Although there was no direct evidence linking Swearingen to the murder, he was convicted on circumstantial evidence (including the fact that he was one of the last people to have seen Melissa prior to her disappearance) and sentenced to death. (To read an excellent and detailed account of the case, see Jordan Smith's piece here http://news.yahoo.com/rick-perry-ready-execute-innocent-man-153945525.html )
Medical evidence does not support the state's case, however, and actually points to a different killer. Dr. Llyod White, a deputy medical examiner in Ft. Worth was the first to call the biological evidence into question. In addition to the fact that the male DNA found in Trotter's fingernails does not match Swearingen's, there is tissue evidence supported by more than a half dozen Texas forensic scientists that is completely inconsistent with the state's theory of Trotter's death.
In late 2007, Dr. Joyce Carter who was the chief ME in Houston, and who had performed the autopsy, recanted her trial testimony (which claimed Trotter had likely been dead for 25 days). In fact, a 2009 analysis of the preserved histological evidence (never made available to the defense) revealed Trotter had likely been dead for only two or three days before being left in the woods--in other words, weeks after Swearingen was behind bars. Dr. Stephen Pustilnik, the ME for Galveston County stated "the way biological tissue reacts during decomposition, there's no doubt about it. Period. End of story."
The cellular structures of Trotter's lungs, heart, and vasculature were clearly intact--these are basic structures that break down quickly after death and certainly would not have remained intact in a body exposed to the elements for a month.
Texas courts and prosecutors have a spotty record when it comes to accepting scientific evidence. The doctors in the Swearingen case are adament that the science in question is undeniable. They argue it's simply not possible that Trotter was killed and her body abandoned at that location by Swearingen. Dr. White states this conclusion "is affirmed beyond all reasonable doubt."
One can only hope, and pray, that this matter will be resolved swiftly and fairly in Swearingen's favor, and that the case doesn't wind up anywhere near The Lord High Executioner. We know with certainty what Governor Perry would do...
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Rick Perry "Superstar"
Governor Rick Perry's entrance into the 2012 presidential race carries with it an abundance of questionable claims. He maintains that the economic "success" of Texas is a direct result of his policies. A closer examination of this "Texas miracle" is certainly in order!
As of August, 2011 Texas does have an 8.2 unemployment rate, which is lower than the national average of 9.1%. However, there are 25 states with a lower unemployment rate than Texas. According to a March, 2011 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 9.54% of hourly paid workers in Texas are paid below the minimum wage versus a 6 % national average. As of 2011, 26% of Texans do not have health insurance, versus a 17% national average. Hmmm, not a great start here. I'm sure it gets better!
In 2009, Perry signed Grover Norquist's pledge to oppose and veto any/all efforts to increase taxes. In past years, Perry had utilized a variety of tax mechanisms/increases to pay for public schools. Now, in 2011, Texas ranks 50th in the nation in "kids" with a high school diploma by age 25. Texas has the 43rd lowest high school graduation rate, ranks 49th in verbal SAT scores, and 46th in average math SAT scores. It looks as though the Perry/Norquist tandem has cost kids dearly.
Perry has supported tort reform to limit malpractice lawsuits against doctors, and in 2003 he sponsored a constitutional amendment to cap medical malpractice awards. While this doesn't help "the little guy", the giant pharmaceuticals (among others) most likely appreciate it. That brings us to 2007, when Perry issued an executive order mandating that Texas girls receive HPV vaccince (which protects against human papilloma virus--deemed to be a contributing factor in certain strains of cervical cancer). Gardisi, manufactured by Merck, was the only HPV vaccine approved by the FDA at that time. Apparent financial links between Merck & Perry have been reported, including a $6000 campaign contribution and Merck's hiring of former Perry Chief of Staff Mike Toomey to handle its Texas lobbying work!
Naturally, Perry does not believe there is valid scientific proof of global warming. He opposes any regulation of greenhouse gas emissions citing the "devastating implications" for the Texas economy. He has attacked the Obama administration's handling of the recession, and turned down $555 million in stimulus money for unemployment insurance.
He has labeled the Texas economy as "recession proof", yet has taken 23 foreign trips (to bolster business) from 2004-2010, trips that included a vacation on Grand Cayman and an "education policy retreat" in the Bahamas. To date, the state of Texas has footed over $1 million to cover the cost of "security details".
Governor Perry does achieve a high "success rate when it comes to executions. As of August 10th this year, 234 have been carried out since Perry took office. He's apparently so fond of the process that in 2004 he vetoed a ban on the execution of mentally retarded inmates. He certainly appears to struggle with the concept that individuals who are likely innocent ought not be executed. http://missingmistersmith.blogspot.com/2011/07/rick-perry-for-president-really.html
Perry has a long history of making questionable remarks; recent examples include suggesting Texas might secede, accusing the Federal Reserve of treason, and stating Chairman Ben Bernanke would be treated "pretty ugly" if he ventured into Texas.
Looked upon by many as the GOP's savior, he does fit the bill in many respects. In addition to positions outlined above, he's anti-choice, gets an A-plus rating from the NRA, and he demonstrates a keen ability to cloak himself in religious right trappings & dogma.
However, a close examination of his record should serve as a wake-up call for the rest of the country. It tells a far different story than the one Rick Perry likes to spin. I, for one, pray earnestly for public scrutiny!
As of August, 2011 Texas does have an 8.2 unemployment rate, which is lower than the national average of 9.1%. However, there are 25 states with a lower unemployment rate than Texas. According to a March, 2011 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 9.54% of hourly paid workers in Texas are paid below the minimum wage versus a 6 % national average. As of 2011, 26% of Texans do not have health insurance, versus a 17% national average. Hmmm, not a great start here. I'm sure it gets better!
In 2009, Perry signed Grover Norquist's pledge to oppose and veto any/all efforts to increase taxes. In past years, Perry had utilized a variety of tax mechanisms/increases to pay for public schools. Now, in 2011, Texas ranks 50th in the nation in "kids" with a high school diploma by age 25. Texas has the 43rd lowest high school graduation rate, ranks 49th in verbal SAT scores, and 46th in average math SAT scores. It looks as though the Perry/Norquist tandem has cost kids dearly.
Perry has supported tort reform to limit malpractice lawsuits against doctors, and in 2003 he sponsored a constitutional amendment to cap medical malpractice awards. While this doesn't help "the little guy", the giant pharmaceuticals (among others) most likely appreciate it. That brings us to 2007, when Perry issued an executive order mandating that Texas girls receive HPV vaccince (which protects against human papilloma virus--deemed to be a contributing factor in certain strains of cervical cancer). Gardisi, manufactured by Merck, was the only HPV vaccine approved by the FDA at that time. Apparent financial links between Merck & Perry have been reported, including a $6000 campaign contribution and Merck's hiring of former Perry Chief of Staff Mike Toomey to handle its Texas lobbying work!
Naturally, Perry does not believe there is valid scientific proof of global warming. He opposes any regulation of greenhouse gas emissions citing the "devastating implications" for the Texas economy. He has attacked the Obama administration's handling of the recession, and turned down $555 million in stimulus money for unemployment insurance.
He has labeled the Texas economy as "recession proof", yet has taken 23 foreign trips (to bolster business) from 2004-2010, trips that included a vacation on Grand Cayman and an "education policy retreat" in the Bahamas. To date, the state of Texas has footed over $1 million to cover the cost of "security details".
Governor Perry does achieve a high "success rate when it comes to executions. As of August 10th this year, 234 have been carried out since Perry took office. He's apparently so fond of the process that in 2004 he vetoed a ban on the execution of mentally retarded inmates. He certainly appears to struggle with the concept that individuals who are likely innocent ought not be executed. http://missingmistersmith.blogspot.com/2011/07/rick-perry-for-president-really.html
Perry has a long history of making questionable remarks; recent examples include suggesting Texas might secede, accusing the Federal Reserve of treason, and stating Chairman Ben Bernanke would be treated "pretty ugly" if he ventured into Texas.
Looked upon by many as the GOP's savior, he does fit the bill in many respects. In addition to positions outlined above, he's anti-choice, gets an A-plus rating from the NRA, and he demonstrates a keen ability to cloak himself in religious right trappings & dogma.
However, a close examination of his record should serve as a wake-up call for the rest of the country. It tells a far different story than the one Rick Perry likes to spin. I, for one, pray earnestly for public scrutiny!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Judson Phillips, Tea Partier Extraordinaire
Like many of my contemporaries, I've struggled with identity issues from time to time. Now, thanks to the Tea Party Nation's one and only Judson Phillips, any questions I may have had have been resolved, once and for all.
This weekend, while campaigning in Wisconsin for one of the Republican state senators facing a special recall election, Mr. Phillips spoke these words:
"I will tell you, ladies and gentlemen, I detest and despise everything the left stands for. How anybody can endorse and embrace an ideology that has killed a billion people in the last century is beyond me."
So there you have it, spelled out clearly for all to behold. I am, quite simply, a mass murderer... guilty of genocide. Thank you, Mr. Phillips, I will cherish this knowledge forever. Heck, I may even chisel these words onto stone tablets, since you certainly possess the moral authority of the ancient prophets. Don't you?
1) You who states that only landowners should have the right to vote. Wrong.
2) You who referred to those protesting against Gov. Scott Walker's policies (and thereby exercising their rights to free speech and assembly) as "Nazi storm troopers". Wrong.
3) You who immediately labelled Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' would-be assasin as a "leftist lunatic". Wrong.
4) You who endorse openly carrying weapons at political rallies. Wrong, and see #3 above for potential consequences.
5) You who openly admit to religious intolerance ("I have a real problem with Islam") and deem a congressional candidate "unfit" because he's a Muslim (Keith Ellison in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District). Wrong.
Thank you, Mr. Phillips, for contributing nothing of substance or value to the national discourse and for making me prouder than ever to be a liberal.
This weekend, while campaigning in Wisconsin for one of the Republican state senators facing a special recall election, Mr. Phillips spoke these words:
"I will tell you, ladies and gentlemen, I detest and despise everything the left stands for. How anybody can endorse and embrace an ideology that has killed a billion people in the last century is beyond me."
So there you have it, spelled out clearly for all to behold. I am, quite simply, a mass murderer... guilty of genocide. Thank you, Mr. Phillips, I will cherish this knowledge forever. Heck, I may even chisel these words onto stone tablets, since you certainly possess the moral authority of the ancient prophets. Don't you?
1) You who states that only landowners should have the right to vote. Wrong.
2) You who referred to those protesting against Gov. Scott Walker's policies (and thereby exercising their rights to free speech and assembly) as "Nazi storm troopers". Wrong.
3) You who immediately labelled Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' would-be assasin as a "leftist lunatic". Wrong.
4) You who endorse openly carrying weapons at political rallies. Wrong, and see #3 above for potential consequences.
5) You who openly admit to religious intolerance ("I have a real problem with Islam") and deem a congressional candidate "unfit" because he's a Muslim (Keith Ellison in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District). Wrong.
Thank you, Mr. Phillips, for contributing nothing of substance or value to the national discourse and for making me prouder than ever to be a liberal.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Redux Mr. Smith
I originally posted this over a year-and-a-half ago when I began this blog. Given the recent debacle--otherwise known as the debt ceiling debate-- the country witnessed in the House and Senate, I found myself thinking about this film yet again. I decided to re-post this, with a few edits, in order to remind myself why I refuse to lose all faith, and why I'm still interested in political possibilities. It also reminded me to look for the truly positive examples in life, and Alex Petroff springs to mind (see "Paging Ben Affleck: Working Villages International is calling...")
For those not familiar with "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington", it's a1939 film by producer/director Frank Capra (see "It's A Wonderful Life"). Many consider this classic comedy/drama to be Capra's greatest achievement. James Stewart established himself as a leading actor in the role of Jefferson Smith, a wide-eyed innocent idealist who is plucked from obscurity to fill out the term of a Senate seat left vacant by the sudden death of Senator Samuel Foley, a largely spineless and compliant character in the decidedly corrupt political machine presided over by boss Jim Taylor. Taylor, along with Governor Hopper and Senator Paine, are determined to appoint someone who won't ask questions, or do anything that might disturb the machine's backdoor dealings. Political parties aren't identified, nor is the state in question... instead, Capra leaves us with the realization that this could be anywhere, and corrupt politicians come in all flavors.
Jefferson Smith, however, seems to believe in the basic decency of every person he encounters, and he maintains a passionate love affair with the United States. He's a wide-eyed patriot who reverently recites the words of Lincoln and Jefferson, and is awe-struck by the sights and sounds of Washington D.C. Smith feels unworthy to join the Senate, and is completely unaware he's being set-up by those he respects most. Initially too stunned by this betrayal to defend himself, he finally takes to the Senate floor and initiates a filibuster to postpone a bill boss Taylor has engineered, and to prove his own innocence & integrity.
The film's climactic scene illustrates the difference one good person, standing on principle, can make in the face of overwhelming adversity.
When it was first released, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" was attacked by the Washington press corps and by politicians in the U.S. Congress, both of whom labeled the film as anti-American and pro-communist for its portrayal of corruption in the government. Today, it is recognized as a paen to individual strength, integrity, and decency.
In this day and age of out-of-control partisan bickering and gridlock, I, for one, am missing Mr. Smith.
For those not familiar with "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington", it's a1939 film by producer/director Frank Capra (see "It's A Wonderful Life"). Many consider this classic comedy/drama to be Capra's greatest achievement. James Stewart established himself as a leading actor in the role of Jefferson Smith, a wide-eyed innocent idealist who is plucked from obscurity to fill out the term of a Senate seat left vacant by the sudden death of Senator Samuel Foley, a largely spineless and compliant character in the decidedly corrupt political machine presided over by boss Jim Taylor. Taylor, along with Governor Hopper and Senator Paine, are determined to appoint someone who won't ask questions, or do anything that might disturb the machine's backdoor dealings. Political parties aren't identified, nor is the state in question... instead, Capra leaves us with the realization that this could be anywhere, and corrupt politicians come in all flavors.
Jefferson Smith, however, seems to believe in the basic decency of every person he encounters, and he maintains a passionate love affair with the United States. He's a wide-eyed patriot who reverently recites the words of Lincoln and Jefferson, and is awe-struck by the sights and sounds of Washington D.C. Smith feels unworthy to join the Senate, and is completely unaware he's being set-up by those he respects most. Initially too stunned by this betrayal to defend himself, he finally takes to the Senate floor and initiates a filibuster to postpone a bill boss Taylor has engineered, and to prove his own innocence & integrity.
The film's climactic scene illustrates the difference one good person, standing on principle, can make in the face of overwhelming adversity.
When it was first released, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" was attacked by the Washington press corps and by politicians in the U.S. Congress, both of whom labeled the film as anti-American and pro-communist for its portrayal of corruption in the government. Today, it is recognized as a paen to individual strength, integrity, and decency.
In this day and age of out-of-control partisan bickering and gridlock, I, for one, am missing Mr. Smith.
Paging Ben Affleck: Working Villages International is calling...
A little good news can certainly provide some very welcome relief, particularly in the aftermath of a polarizing debt ceiling debate, reports on the scorching heat and worsening drought afflicting much of the country, and 500 point free falls on the stock market.
So here's a story that proves one person, dedicated to his or her vision, can still make a difference.
Alex Petroff founded Working Villages in 2006; the idea had originated as his thesis at Hampshire College in Amherst. Rather than solve problems at the symptom level, Alex envisioned that Working Villages would address the root causes of hunger, unemployment, and violence using a developmental model that could be adjusted to almost any region in the world. Based on Gandhian principals, Working Villages would build communities that developed local self-sufficiency through appropriate technology and small scale agriculture.
As a result of his experiences in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Alex focused on locating the project in Congo. He hoped to provide a new life for people devastated by 8 years of warfare resulting in the deaths of over 4 million men, women, and children. After receiving approval from both local and national governing officials, the Working Villages "model" came to life in the Ruzizi Valley, at the northern tip of Lake Tanganyika.
Several years later, the Ruzizi Project has introduced cutting edge organic farming techniques and produced over 90 different crop varieties. In this rich valley soil they routinely cultivate cabbages wighing 10 pounds or more and corn stalks that soar over 14 feet. Currently, 100,000 pounds of rice are harvested each month, making WVI the largest food producer in South Kivu province. In addition, model houses are being built in preparation for full village construction. In order to meet these farming and construction goals, WVI now employs 625 (paid) worker.
Recent news dispatches from Congo have reported on continuing violence--including horrific mass rape. Yet in the midst of this adversity, Alex's vision continues to thrive as lives are saved and transformed. The word "hero" is grossly and inappropriately tossed about in this day and age, but if Alex isn't a hero, then he's the closest I'll ever come to meeting one. Take a look: http://www.workingvillages.org/main.html
So here's a story that proves one person, dedicated to his or her vision, can still make a difference.
Alex Petroff founded Working Villages in 2006; the idea had originated as his thesis at Hampshire College in Amherst. Rather than solve problems at the symptom level, Alex envisioned that Working Villages would address the root causes of hunger, unemployment, and violence using a developmental model that could be adjusted to almost any region in the world. Based on Gandhian principals, Working Villages would build communities that developed local self-sufficiency through appropriate technology and small scale agriculture.
As a result of his experiences in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Alex focused on locating the project in Congo. He hoped to provide a new life for people devastated by 8 years of warfare resulting in the deaths of over 4 million men, women, and children. After receiving approval from both local and national governing officials, the Working Villages "model" came to life in the Ruzizi Valley, at the northern tip of Lake Tanganyika.
Several years later, the Ruzizi Project has introduced cutting edge organic farming techniques and produced over 90 different crop varieties. In this rich valley soil they routinely cultivate cabbages wighing 10 pounds or more and corn stalks that soar over 14 feet. Currently, 100,000 pounds of rice are harvested each month, making WVI the largest food producer in South Kivu province. In addition, model houses are being built in preparation for full village construction. In order to meet these farming and construction goals, WVI now employs 625 (paid) worker.
Recent news dispatches from Congo have reported on continuing violence--including horrific mass rape. Yet in the midst of this adversity, Alex's vision continues to thrive as lives are saved and transformed. The word "hero" is grossly and inappropriately tossed about in this day and age, but if Alex isn't a hero, then he's the closest I'll ever come to meeting one. Take a look: http://www.workingvillages.org/main.html
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