Not sure if that makes a “double” (i.e. - two-day) entry any more of a value ... but I had a few computer glitches yesterday – hopefully it's all resolved today (!!!)
I’m wondering if we’ll keep having ‘revolving’ fill-in anchors on 360 this week since Anderson is in the Congo (link to a first-hand report here) – but it’s OK – surprise is the spice of life (or one of them)!
Monday night saw John King filling in – I enjoy watching (who doesn’t?) and listening to him – when he’s in the ‘correspondent’ role – but I just sense some hesitation or anxiety when he’s in the ‘anchor’ role – especially on 360°. He seems a little more comfortable filling in on TSR, perhaps because it’s more ‘politically’ focused, but he just seems to lose some of that natural cadence to his speech pattern when he’s reading from a teleprompter. It’s the same sense I’ve gotten the few times I’ve seen Christiane Amanpour ‘anchor’ a program. Maybe that’s why they’re both “chief” correspondents, as opposed to full-time anchors?
Ted Rowlands had a report on progress of the California wildfires (finally), and subsequently last night, we learned that a boy playing with matches was responsible for the start of the Buckweed fire in Santa Clarita. That rumor had been swirling locally, but confirmed last night. How very sad, as homes were lost in that fire. I don’t know if he’ll be charged, but it certainly confirms that it doesn’t take much out here to get something horrible started by carelessness.
Kathleen Koch had an interesting report on whether or not federal funds should be used to provide rebuilding assistance to those who want to live in areas prone to natural disasters. I’ll admit to some bias here, but I think it’s a risk assessment exercise – there are obviously places that are SO high risk that it’s simply not allowed under any circumstances – such as near the top of Mt. St. Helens. But how would judgment be determined for areas where it isn’t so obvious that homes should simply not be built? What criteria is fair? Or should there be no restrictions at all? It’s an interesting subject to ponder ... as it affects a lot more Americans than people first think. For example - does that mean we should have no homes in “tornado alley”? That’s a lot of land that would remain barren!
I’m going to save the political panel discussion and the hamburger recall discussion until I get to Tuesday’s program ...
I didn’t really follow the Genarlow Wilson story all that closely, but from what I do know, that young man spent a lot of time in jail for teenage sexual activity that goes on each day in much larger numbers than I’d be willing to guess at. And I do give him props for not copping to a plea deal – meaning years of jail time - that takes some level of character strength, and it’s not found often enough in today’s teens. Rick Sanchez was certainly pleased at the GA Supreme Court’s decision, as he’s been an advocate on behalf of Wilson for quite awhile. Mr. Sanchez would never convince anyone that he ‘doesn’t take sides’ – and that’s fine, because he’s very upfront about it!
Tuesday night had Soledad O’Brien filling in – I suspect she’ll be there the rest of the week, but I could be wrong. She had two hours live (good!) – with a number of breaking stories in hour 2. But first was what almost seems like a re-tread discussion of terror 101 – and I don’t mean that disrespectfully, because it is an important subject. But it’s not ‘news’ – at least to me – to hear that the Taliban and al Qaeda are still gaining strength in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and that while the Iraq “surge” has been successful from the standpoint of decreased deaths and violence, the political portion of what needs to take place for long-term stability is still woefully lacking. And it’s lacking because there is no catalyst for historical warring factions to come together and form one cohesive central Iraqi government. They need strong guidance, and it’s not being provided.
Anyway – I was very interested in the “broken government” segments. Randi Kaye’s reports about the recall of Topps hamburgers (from Monday) and Stand & Seal grout sealant (from Tuesday) reinforces the lack of enforcement ability that is vested in the CPSC. When I first heard that Nancy Nord (Acting CPSC Director) was asking Congress to not approve additional funding, I was very upset. But if, in fact, the legislation mandates that the funds be spent in certain ways, as opposed to being used for staff and research and enforcement activities so badly needed, I understand her reasoning. Let’s hope they get the funding and the spending discretion that will help to provide concrete, timely, effective protection results!
At the other end of the spectrum, Drew Griffin provided a(nother) report on wasteful Congressional earmarks. I know that $50,000 is pocket change in terms of a government budget, but a mule museum?? In Bishop?? WHAT?? First, Bishop is what I call a “blink” of a town – meaning you blink and you’ve missed it – and it’s one of those ‘desert pit stops’ where you can find gas and some food (if you want to take your chances) – on the way to some really nice fishing spots in the mountains. California has hundreds of these little blips – nice places to spend a few minutes, but that’s about it. And combine that with $150,000 for the restoration of a barn in Rice’s Landing, PA – and you have a formula for a “WTF?” kind of question – that gets asked over and over (and over) again.
It’s no wonder that Congress has such abysmal approval ratings. We voted for a revolution (of sorts) in 2006. We voted for change. And what have we gotten? A resolution honoring Brett Farve of the Green Bay Packers. A resolution to accept the 9/11 Commission recommendations. Not a plan to implement them, mind you – just a resolution ‘accepting’ them. A resolution labeling the Iran Revolutionary Guard as “terrorists”. I’m sure they’re all still quaking in their boots right at this very moment over that. I can’t think about any of this for too long a period of time, as I’m overcome with an increasing sense of ‘impending crisis’ at the possibility that we have elected a bunch of morons to run the affairs of this country.
Note to self: never buy an insurance policy with Progressive. Otherwise, you’ll be spied on in church and at private ministry meetings – and who knows where else? Wasn’t it clear enough to this company that Leandra Pitts wasn’t faking her injuries? It was good to see that Progressive’s President had the correct text (and tone) to his apology. But a lawsuit is so warranted in this case – there is so much flagrant fraud that takes place – Progressive should be smart enough to know when they do and don’t have a potential problem in this regard, and act accordingly!
Hour 2 – brought a panel analysis of the just-finished Democratic Debate in Philly, with Candy Crowley, David Gergen and Paul Begala. According to David, Senator Clinton exhibited more strident behavior last night, as she was under siege from her opponents. No surprise there. And Senator Obama didn’t present as forceful an opposition as many thought he would, according to Paul, who also commented that some of his supporters might be disappointed in his presentation. But Senator Edwards had no hesitation (and hasn’t had any hesitation) to be tough and tenacious in his “Clinton attacks”. Might not work in his favor in Iowa, though ... we’ll see, as caucus time gets closer and closer ...
I thought this discussion was interesting in light of the previous night’s panel of Amy Holmes, Gloria Borger and Paul Begala, who specifically stated that Obama in particular needed to, in political terms, take a few 'swings' at the Hill, and ostensibly, all of his opponents. I didn't watch the debate, but from the analysis, I'm not sure that happened ...
There was also a 5.6 earthquake in the San Jose area just after 8:00 PM PT, which Soledad provided some preliminary reports about. No immediate damage – although some was discovered this morning (Wednesday). And yes, there was a small (but perceptible) jolt in the Newsblooz household – it’s always a little unnerving, because you don’t know at that very moment if there’ll be more, or where it’s coming from (i.e. – LA or even San Jose) or if that’s the end of it!
And the story also broke about the young boy confessing to playing with matches at the site of the start of the Buckweed fire - which I already mentioned.
At # 2 – Conducting interviews in the Congo is Anderson’s idea of a vacation:
At # 1 – I don’t think this needs much of an explanation:
Don’t forget to submit your questions for the upcoming Republican YouTube Debate – if I were truly creative enough – I’d be able to put together a MILLION snowmen – to ask Governor Romney about his global warming policy. But I’d rather have each and every one them be forced to sweat and squirm their way through questions courtesy of “The Daily Dish” (via Real Time with Bill Maher) – namely (and I’m doing this from memory): “If you had known with 100% certainty that a specific fetus would grow into Osama bin Laden and you had the authority to abort it, would you do so?” AND “If you could stop – with 100% certainty - a nuclear attack on the United States by having sex with a man, would you do it?” I would pay MAJOR money to be able to see them just have to answer the questions ... because I hate hypocrites!!!
Thanks for visiting – updates posted as needed – have a happy and safe Halloween!!
