“Creative” Emails
I routinely hear from an old college pal--let's call him Murph--who delights in forwarding emails dedicated to the failure of President Obama and his administration. I know that Murph and his cohorts consider themselves patriots and, as such, believe that since the end justifies the means, facts and truth are irrelevant, Several emails ago, I started going directly to Snopes.com or FactCheck.org and forwarding the results to Murph, suggesting he pass it on to the folks who emailed him, as well as his own substantial list, of which I am a member. So far, this hasn't happened nor has he acknowledged or apologized for misleading me so callously.
Today, he didn't let me down. How could he know I was writing this article? Maybe the Forces of Truth guided him to furnish me even more damning evidence. This email has Lee Iacocca, former CEO of Chrysler, saying:
“... Where the hell is our outrage with this so called president?...We've got a gang of tax cheating clueless leftists trying to steer our ship of state right over a cliff...Throw all the Democrats out along with Obama!”
Supposedly, these are excerpts from the book, “Where Have All The Leaders Gone ?” by Lee Iacocca with Catherine Whitney, New York, Scribner, 2007 (notice the date—Obama wasn't inaugurated until 2009). If you read what Mr. Iacocca actually said, you will find that his criticism was directed at the Bush administration. The email creators cleverly converted the references over to Obama and the Democrats so that “... a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff,...” becomes “... a gang of tax cheating clueless leftists trying to steer our ship of state right over a cliff...”
The following quote from an interview by David G. Allen for West Virginia Media, indicates a different Iacocca opinion:
"... I've seen this Obama fellow in action and his breadth of knowledge is so great. He can run the Fed. He knows where we need troops. He can get tax cheats to pay up and perform government service. He knows which CEOs to fire and which CEOs deserve bonuses...”
The email that first prompted me to do this piece contained an article written by Dr. David Kaiser, a highly respected historian, currently a professor in the Strategy and Policy Department of the Naval War College. The article compared Barack Obama and his agenda to Adolph Hitler and the birth of the Third Reich. Unlike the Iacocca quote, in which words and even entire paragraphs were altered, the Kaiser article was not even written by Dr. Kaiser--he says so in his blog. He further states that the views attributed to him are mostly contrary to his real opinions. This is significant--as is Iacocca's above-quoted praise for Obama.
Since there is a plethora of popular and articulate Obama detractors, like Ben Stein, why utilize people who have shown an affinity for the President? My opinion...the email creators are pranksters at heart. How audacious to use two of Obama's fans to discredit him. What perfect irony!
Another question: Why risk embarrassing “The Cause” by employing outrageous lies that can be so easily exposed with a few keystrokes? Does their Party promote this behavior? The Iran-Contra and Watergate fiascos were blatant enough to make one expect that a contrite Republican Party would have emerged, vowing to sin no more, but that didn't happen. The sin of “Bearing false witness” should never be condoned by a political group priding itself on “values.”
The Grand Old Party of Dirksen, Goldwater, and Eisenhower is gone, replaced by political misfits saddled with “bumper sticker” mentalities. It is disturbing to see the substantial numbers of people involved in the viral spread of these two fraudulent emails. Either they were too lazy to verify the content or they were complicit in the subterfuge.
I miss the old Republicans. They were people of principle, usually putting our country's welfare ahead of their politics. They battled the Democrats ferociously, but with honest reasoning, and with an overriding sense of fair play that was typical of most Americans then. Those were years when deciding between presidential candidates could be difficult—not because they were so alike, but because they were both so deserving of the office.
I wish that I could have an honest and stimulating political discussion with my old friend, Murph. Maybe, sometime... Maybe, when pigs fly.
Terry Tynan
Kenosha
terrytynan@att.net
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Name Withheld
A recent VOP submission criticized the annoying practice of using “Name withheld” rather than take ownership of a letter. A friend of mine won't read anything by “Name withheld.” I sometimes feel short-changed with an unsigned letter. Here are some reasons why I think people withhold their names: they are overly modest, ashamed of their writing ability, self conscious about their feelings, afraid of compromising their privacy--or the letter itself is full of lies.
After doing a little research, it turns out that, whatever their motive, they have every right to withhold their name and the Kenosha News, though in the minority, is on the right side of history with its policy of printing unsigned letters. My source is Bill Reader, formerly a lecturer of journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. According to Reader, “... unsigned letters were a tradition reaching back to pre-Revolutionary newspapers...” “The New York Times published its first unsigned letter in 1851.” Even though, by 1995, 84% of newspapers had 'must sign' rules, Reader feels that such restrictions “... actually violate the traditions of American journalism, do not support the spirit of the First Amendment in the eyes of the law...” He suggests that to be a true forum of public opinion, newspapers should welcome all views, including those of people who, for whatever reason, feel most vulnerable, thus, choosing to remain anonymous.
For instance, my next letter will be about how the Town of Somers has been over charging me on my sewer bill. Of course, I intend to sign it: “Name withheld.” Have you ever tried to unplug a clogged sewer line?
Terry Tynan
339 Sheridan Rd.
262-939-2303
terrytynan@att.net
A recent VOP submission criticized the annoying practice of using “Name withheld” rather than take ownership of a letter. A friend of mine won't read anything by “Name withheld.” I sometimes feel short-changed with an unsigned letter. Here are some reasons why I think people withhold their names: they are overly modest, ashamed of their writing ability, self conscious about their feelings, afraid of compromising their privacy--or the letter itself is full of lies.
After doing a little research, it turns out that, whatever their motive, they have every right to withhold their name and the Kenosha News, though in the minority, is on the right side of history with its policy of printing unsigned letters. My source is Bill Reader, formerly a lecturer of journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. According to Reader, “... unsigned letters were a tradition reaching back to pre-Revolutionary newspapers...” “The New York Times published its first unsigned letter in 1851.” Even though, by 1995, 84% of newspapers had 'must sign' rules, Reader feels that such restrictions “... actually violate the traditions of American journalism, do not support the spirit of the First Amendment in the eyes of the law...” He suggests that to be a true forum of public opinion, newspapers should welcome all views, including those of people who, for whatever reason, feel most vulnerable, thus, choosing to remain anonymous.
For instance, my next letter will be about how the Town of Somers has been over charging me on my sewer bill. Of course, I intend to sign it: “Name withheld.” Have you ever tried to unplug a clogged sewer line?
Terry Tynan
339 Sheridan Rd.
262-939-2303
terrytynan@att.net
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Area's Best Kept Secret
I wonder how many of my fellow seniors realize they can attend classes at one of the finest colleges in the Midwest--absolutely free. I always thought of UW-Parkside as a place to see great foreign films on the cheap and watch the Northwestern Wildcats football summer camp. I recently learned that, because of my advanced years, I can audit two courses per semester on any subject that interests me. No credits towards a degree, but, neither are there any exams, assignments, grades or other stresses so well remembered. Besides the joy of learning, I am participating in a never-ending parade of concerts, lectures, films, sports events, exhibits, clubs and discussion groups. All this takes place in a state-of-the-art environment with very talented people ranging from learned academics to accomplished softball pitchers. The adrenalin of Parkside's campus life is, of course, the students. Old and young, from all corners of the earth they move through the halls with a jovial confidence that strongly suggests our future is in very capable hands. Did I mention that Parkside is one of the friendliest places I have ever been in my life? For the person who is retired, yet doesn't really want to be, I say, come back to school and feel younger every day.
Terry Tynan
I wonder how many of my fellow seniors realize they can attend classes at one of the finest colleges in the Midwest--absolutely free. I always thought of UW-Parkside as a place to see great foreign films on the cheap and watch the Northwestern Wildcats football summer camp. I recently learned that, because of my advanced years, I can audit two courses per semester on any subject that interests me. No credits towards a degree, but, neither are there any exams, assignments, grades or other stresses so well remembered. Besides the joy of learning, I am participating in a never-ending parade of concerts, lectures, films, sports events, exhibits, clubs and discussion groups. All this takes place in a state-of-the-art environment with very talented people ranging from learned academics to accomplished softball pitchers. The adrenalin of Parkside's campus life is, of course, the students. Old and young, from all corners of the earth they move through the halls with a jovial confidence that strongly suggests our future is in very capable hands. Did I mention that Parkside is one of the friendliest places I have ever been in my life? For the person who is retired, yet doesn't really want to be, I say, come back to school and feel younger every day.
Terry Tynan
Medicare for All
From what I hear and read, it seems that more people are realizing that blind support of health insurance companies and the drug industry is not in their best interest. Common sense is leaking through cracks in the argument against government assisted health care reform, a/k/a the 'public option'--a misnomer if ever I heard one. Free market, unregulated capitalism doesn't always work--ask anyone currently unemployed. Our system, as good as it is, has one fatal flaw—greed. Most all of us are now suffering from its effect. If government can't do everything, it should, at least, be able to curtail this deadliest of sins. The trouble is that our government, specifically our legislature, is, itself, contaminated by greed. Check out who is financing the most vociferous of the health care reform obstructionists--Democrats included—and in what amounts.
Most Americans aren't dumb; and, because we are basically fair-minded, we have a gnawing suspicion of a system that awards obscene profits to one group due to the suffering and misfortune of another. This makes us unique in the civilized world. Do you know anyone who has been denied coverage, been canceled, had premiums tripled or had claims denied by an insurance company? It can happen to you.
A close friend had his cancer treatments halted by his insurer because of “limits.” He was forced to turn to an “inefficient, government-run” VA hospital where treatments were IMMEDIATELY renewed, his suffering eased and his life probably prolonged.
Me, I'm on Medicare and it's great. I wish everybody had it. If that makes me a socialist, so be it. Let's pressure our congressmen-- Medicare For Everyone!
Terry Tynan
From what I hear and read, it seems that more people are realizing that blind support of health insurance companies and the drug industry is not in their best interest. Common sense is leaking through cracks in the argument against government assisted health care reform, a/k/a the 'public option'--a misnomer if ever I heard one. Free market, unregulated capitalism doesn't always work--ask anyone currently unemployed. Our system, as good as it is, has one fatal flaw—greed. Most all of us are now suffering from its effect. If government can't do everything, it should, at least, be able to curtail this deadliest of sins. The trouble is that our government, specifically our legislature, is, itself, contaminated by greed. Check out who is financing the most vociferous of the health care reform obstructionists--Democrats included—and in what amounts.
Most Americans aren't dumb; and, because we are basically fair-minded, we have a gnawing suspicion of a system that awards obscene profits to one group due to the suffering and misfortune of another. This makes us unique in the civilized world. Do you know anyone who has been denied coverage, been canceled, had premiums tripled or had claims denied by an insurance company? It can happen to you.
A close friend had his cancer treatments halted by his insurer because of “limits.” He was forced to turn to an “inefficient, government-run” VA hospital where treatments were IMMEDIATELY renewed, his suffering eased and his life probably prolonged.
Me, I'm on Medicare and it's great. I wish everybody had it. If that makes me a socialist, so be it. Let's pressure our congressmen-- Medicare For Everyone!
Terry Tynan
New York Times Boycott
Billionaire, Rupert Mudoch, recently announced that he intends to start charging fees to access news and editorial content on all of his websites. This is a very bad idea and here's why:
Most of my liberal friends don't realize that it was yours truly who ran a successful boycott of the On Line Editorial Page of the New York Times after they started charging a fee to read many of their best writers. Now, what part of the phrase “FREEdom of the press” don't these people understand? Not only did I refuse to pay, I stopped reading the Times entirely and did my best to avoid their advertisers' products and services—except for those that were fairly low-priced. I forget how long they continued this unfortunate practice, but eventually, in large part due to the economic pain of my boycott, they realized that they had been acting stupidly. (Did I just say that?) Well, thanks to me, you can now enjoy the musings of Tom, Frank and Maureen, on line, without spending a nickel. I know they are all tickled to have me back as a reader.
On second thought, maybe Murdoch's plan will work, since conservatives seem to enjoy helping billionaires add to their bulging coffers—Halliburton, the health insurance and pharmaceutical companies come to mind.
Terry Tynan
,
Billionaire, Rupert Mudoch, recently announced that he intends to start charging fees to access news and editorial content on all of his websites. This is a very bad idea and here's why:
Most of my liberal friends don't realize that it was yours truly who ran a successful boycott of the On Line Editorial Page of the New York Times after they started charging a fee to read many of their best writers. Now, what part of the phrase “FREEdom of the press” don't these people understand? Not only did I refuse to pay, I stopped reading the Times entirely and did my best to avoid their advertisers' products and services—except for those that were fairly low-priced. I forget how long they continued this unfortunate practice, but eventually, in large part due to the economic pain of my boycott, they realized that they had been acting stupidly. (Did I just say that?) Well, thanks to me, you can now enjoy the musings of Tom, Frank and Maureen, on line, without spending a nickel. I know they are all tickled to have me back as a reader.
On second thought, maybe Murdoch's plan will work, since conservatives seem to enjoy helping billionaires add to their bulging coffers—Halliburton, the health insurance and pharmaceutical companies come to mind.
Terry Tynan
,
Conspiracy Theory
Have you heard the latest conspiracy theory? Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck have secretly been on the DNC payroll for years. Every time they open their mouths another group of moderate conservatives disavow the GOP—even some Southern ones. Yesterday, someone asked me if I have always been a Democrat. I answered that I have voted for several Republicans over the years, the first being Eisenhower in '52. Although I grew to admire Adlai Stevenson, Ike's interstate highway system and prophetic admonition to “beware the military-industrial complex” proves I was a pretty good 'president picker' even at a tender age. As a child, I was terrified that Wendell Wilkie might defeat President Roosevelt, therefor, allowing the Nazis to overrun our country. Growing up in my Chicago neighborhood meant that not being a Democrat was tantamount to not being a Catholic, which increased (if not assured) the likelihood of going to hell. As I grew older my politics moved a little to the center-- but not too much. I thought William F. Buckley, Jr. was hilarious and Senator Everett Dirkson's voice made me feel secure and fuzzy all over. I owe a great deal to several staunch Republicans I have known over the years. However, beginning with Reagan's union busting and deregulation of critical institutions, then, through the disastrous years of Bush-Cheney and Halliburton, I am now a very proud liberal Democrat—a lover of God and Country and avid reader of the New York Times Editorial Page. On those few occasions when I start to question Democratic policies or leadership I subject myself to an hour of Fox News and, thereby, replenish my resolve.
Terry Tynan
Have you heard the latest conspiracy theory? Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck have secretly been on the DNC payroll for years. Every time they open their mouths another group of moderate conservatives disavow the GOP—even some Southern ones. Yesterday, someone asked me if I have always been a Democrat. I answered that I have voted for several Republicans over the years, the first being Eisenhower in '52. Although I grew to admire Adlai Stevenson, Ike's interstate highway system and prophetic admonition to “beware the military-industrial complex” proves I was a pretty good 'president picker' even at a tender age. As a child, I was terrified that Wendell Wilkie might defeat President Roosevelt, therefor, allowing the Nazis to overrun our country. Growing up in my Chicago neighborhood meant that not being a Democrat was tantamount to not being a Catholic, which increased (if not assured) the likelihood of going to hell. As I grew older my politics moved a little to the center-- but not too much. I thought William F. Buckley, Jr. was hilarious and Senator Everett Dirkson's voice made me feel secure and fuzzy all over. I owe a great deal to several staunch Republicans I have known over the years. However, beginning with Reagan's union busting and deregulation of critical institutions, then, through the disastrous years of Bush-Cheney and Halliburton, I am now a very proud liberal Democrat—a lover of God and Country and avid reader of the New York Times Editorial Page. On those few occasions when I start to question Democratic policies or leadership I subject myself to an hour of Fox News and, thereby, replenish my resolve.
Terry Tynan
MAD MEN
This morning I awoke thinking the Kenosha News was due to feature David Heide in its “Sunday Morning With...” column. I wasn't disappointed. I have long enjoyed and admired this writer. I had the pleasure of talking with him on the occasion of his author-mother's well deserved, 'Florence Heide Day.' David is, as his articles suggest, a friendly individual, unafraid to share his innermost thoughts, affording his readers a sense of knowing him personally.
For me, his real gift is that of making me look at myself and my own life experience. Today, he critiqued the TV series “Mad Men” and seemed to be struggling with its popularity. He is probably wasting his time. You have to be my age to really get into this show. It is uncanny how they have captured the essence of the business world of the 50's, 60's & 70's-- the morals, ambitions, priorities and habits most of us shared. I wince at some of the painfully accurate scenes, for example: drinking before noon, cigarette smoke blown in clients' faces, obsession with looking sharp, always being right, neglecting children and wives— many having a mistress. There was a barely disguised disdain for women who moved beyond the rank of receptionist or secretary. Successful women were accused of using flirtatious behavior to make deals. Perhaps, the most vivid reminder is of the 'tax deductible martini lunches,' which, far exceeding the customary hour, guaranteed an excruciating hangover the following day. Oh, how we suffered for the sake of our careers. While, not nearly so successful as 'Donald Draper,' I, flamboyantly, paraded his gigantic ego.
David, you had to be there...
Terry Tynan
Kenosha
terrytynan@att.net
This morning I awoke thinking the Kenosha News was due to feature David Heide in its “Sunday Morning With...” column. I wasn't disappointed. I have long enjoyed and admired this writer. I had the pleasure of talking with him on the occasion of his author-mother's well deserved, 'Florence Heide Day.' David is, as his articles suggest, a friendly individual, unafraid to share his innermost thoughts, affording his readers a sense of knowing him personally.
For me, his real gift is that of making me look at myself and my own life experience. Today, he critiqued the TV series “Mad Men” and seemed to be struggling with its popularity. He is probably wasting his time. You have to be my age to really get into this show. It is uncanny how they have captured the essence of the business world of the 50's, 60's & 70's-- the morals, ambitions, priorities and habits most of us shared. I wince at some of the painfully accurate scenes, for example: drinking before noon, cigarette smoke blown in clients' faces, obsession with looking sharp, always being right, neglecting children and wives— many having a mistress. There was a barely disguised disdain for women who moved beyond the rank of receptionist or secretary. Successful women were accused of using flirtatious behavior to make deals. Perhaps, the most vivid reminder is of the 'tax deductible martini lunches,' which, far exceeding the customary hour, guaranteed an excruciating hangover the following day. Oh, how we suffered for the sake of our careers. While, not nearly so successful as 'Donald Draper,' I, flamboyantly, paraded his gigantic ego.
David, you had to be there...
Terry Tynan
Kenosha
terrytynan@att.net
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