Tampa Bay Politics Examiner: The disdain for the intelligent

The far Right made a conscious choice to ignore and mock intellectuals and those who think, imagine and read. Including their fellow Conservatives. It is now coming home to roost.

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The Vice Presidency; Gov. Palin does not measure up.

The duties and responsibilities of the US Vice President are set by the Constitution, statutes and custom. Under any criteria, Governor Palin does not measure up. And John McCain's own judgment is now in question.

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Really great kids

I’m allowed to brag about grandchildren.

I have, in the past, written about four of my grandchildren, Josh, Stephanie, Jake and Aidan. These are all individuals in their own rights and all are very unusual, each smarter than the next older sibling and, Josh, after graduating high school in Sarasota, Florida, is adapting well at the University of Florida. Joshua gave us a great compliment last week; he drove to our home just to visit! He also bowled a perfect “300” on our Wii game, but that’s another story.

Another pair of grandchildren, Adam and Aaron, lives nearby. I haven’t really bragged about those young men, although each us certainly due the spotlight.

Adam will be 17 in a few months and a junior at a Brandon, Florida, senior high school. His school, Bloomingdale, has a reputation of having a terrific marching band, lovely and athletic cheerleaders and a football team that doesn’t win very often. (This year seems to the exception that proves the Rule.) Adam is a part of that band but so much more; he plans on a music career and when he plays his clarinet, it makes one smile or weep or be happy, all depending on the tones he elicits from the instrument. Adam has been invited to play with orchestras throughout the area and my one complaint is that he prefers Mozart to Artie Shaw.

The younger sibling, Aaron, will be 13 in January and studying for his upcoming Bar Mitzvah. Aaron is also a musician, albeit of the percussion persuasion! Several years ago, Aaron’s parents bought him a set of drums which allowed him to make a whole lot of noise. (Aaron is a mighty fine athlete, too. His early soccer games consisted of many little people kicking a ball in all directions, falling down and having the game stopped so that a player could receive a parental hug. He now is a treat to watch on the field, determined, focused and graceful.)
In any event, years ago, Aaron banged on his drums, creating a racket that could be heard throughout the neighborhood. About a month ago, I listened to the music coming from the drums, and it was tonal and musical. In addition to the drums, as a “percussionist”, Aaron is becoming extremely proficient on the xylophone.

Most important, they are great kids, we love them dearly and they make it a pleasure to be a grandparent.

An informal survey of presidential debate opinions

Following the first presidential debate, a survey and discussion group resulted in a number of opinions as to who "won", who "lost" and "who cares/"

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Chutzpah and the McCain-Palin campaign

The McCain-Palin campaign is based on the presumption that everyone will have forgotten that President Bush is Republican and that McCain is also.

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Tampa Bay Politics Examiner: President Bush, we need help

My wife and her friend started a new business -- which promptly failed. We are even more worthy than Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch; we were equally inept. We need federal help and promise not to go into business again.

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Our Anniversary Cruise � Part II

My wife and I celebrated our 50th anniversary with 16 family members on a Carnival cruise from Tampa. The best part of the occasion was the way that all of the cousins bonded and made us feel young. That and having beer in foreign locales.

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Paying the bill for Iraq

We were assured by our government that Iraqi oil would pay for the war and the rebuilding of that country. Instead, the US is paying the tab while Iraq puts its surplus in the bank and "loans" us the money. We pay for the re-building and pay Iraq interest, too.

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Our Anniversary Cruise � The Beginning

In celebration of our 50th anniversary, we took our 4 children and 3 spouses and 9 grandchildren on a Carnival cruise to the western Caribbean. For 8 days we bonded as a family; this is the start of the journey joining fun, learning and family love.

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Bush's Secret Iraq Deal

The president appears to be forging head on a multi-year security agreement with the Iraqi government.

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Senator Lieberman: Have you no shame, no decency?

I once admired Joe Lieberman. No longer. He has disgraced himself.

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Senator Obama and Observations of a Jew: Part II

An expansion and companion article regarding the voting mandate and obligations of an American Jew regarding Obama, his associates and his willingness to support the interests of the State of Israel. What other considerations are vital to the United States' interests?

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Why a Jew should Support Senator Obama.�Part I

The voting obligations of an American Jew. Should unquestioning support of Israel be our litmus test? Is Obama sufficiently in tune with Jewish voters. What other criteria are "in play"?

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Family cruise

For the past year, as I have noted, the Lovely Joan and I will be celebrating our 50th anniversary this June. The kids (can I still call these remarkable adults "kids") had planned on a party for us but we decided, in lieu of that, we would take all four children, spouses and 9 grandchildren on a cruise. We leave from Tampa on June 22nd for 7 days to the western Caribbean.

I plan on taking my laptop with us and, drink in hand and sun in my eyes, plan on a sort of diary. Since no one reads this stuff, it will just be for fun.

Meanwhile, I can hardly wait to be with the nicest people in the world.