In Muhammad Ali's heyday, he used to lean against the ropes and let the other fighter pound away at him. He covered up and usually never even came away with a bruise. But it did tire the other fighter out enough so Ali could then go on the attack. He utilized this strategy frequently and it usually worked. I believe President Obama needs to do something similar. He needs to do everything that is likely to freak out the Republicans--close Guantanamo, formalize relations with Cuba, make executive appointments and decisions, advocate for climate change--he needs to come off the ropes and attack. Maybe they will get tired; maybe not. But he has no chance of reaching a compromise in these next two years. He should let them shut down the government, sue him for making executive decisions, veto any effort to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. Let the people of color in America know what the Republicans stand for. Let those who now have insurance know the Republicans want to take it away. He has nothing to lose so fuck 'em.
On the other hand all of us should hope that nothing happens to Ruth Ginsburg--the tiny but strong Justice who just had a stent put in. she already has had both pancreatic cancer and colo-rectal cancer. If any of us think the Republicans have blocked everything, watch what happens if there is a vacancy on the Supreme Court.
I am sick and tired of Palestinian terrorism and Netanyahu recalcitrance. The attack in a synagogue killing 4 Rabbis was despicable but the ugly political culture in Israel is alarming as well. Yet another terrific article in the New Yorker by David Remnick about that culture leaves me feeling awfully pessimistic about any kind of stability let alone peace. And Hamas leaders applauded the murders in the synagogue--even after Abbas condemned them which means he cannot even control his own citizens. I'm pretty much out of words on this one.
I am also out of words regarding Ferguson, Missouri. It felt as if we were back in the 60's but without any leaders on the ground. First of all, how can there be a police force in a predominantly black community that has no black police officers. Did they miss the class on diversity? Second, to paraphrase Jeffrey Toobin, what fool decided to announce the decision at night when (hello) it is dark and much more difficult to manage rioters than during daytime. Third, the politicians who brought in the National Guard BEFORE the decision almost guaranteed that something would happen. Finally, to be fair, it is very nearly impossible to get a jury to convict or indict a police officer when they have testified it was a life or death situation. Just a recipe for combustion and that's what we got.
[Just saw a tape of an NFL game played yesterday in St. Louis. Five of the St. Louis Ram black players came out of the dressing room and onto the field with arms raised as if they were being arrested. A terrific piece of public theater especially when it turns out these 5 and other teammates have been in Ferguson all month working with kids. But of course, the police have been offended and want punishment. Hasn't there been enough of that?]
The casino bill was not overturned so I was wrong on that one. But the one in nearby Everett is 5 years away from opening. I actually don't care a bit about it nor do I care about the Olympics though if somehow Boston gets them, I'm outta here for a prolonged vacation.
Two other excellent articles: One in the Globe about a hockey coach who decided not to get a colonoscopy and now has end of life cancer (by Kevin Dupont). Only big time fools decide against them. Second article in last week's New Yorker about Angela Merkel basically arguing that she is the most powerful woman in the world.
SPORTSTALK
The son of "He of the Ancient Friendship" is coordinating the Pan Am games for the city of Toronto. A monumental task and one which will allow all venues to be re-used. The Pats loss yesterday was tough especially the first half. Gronk has to make that catch in the end zone in the second half and the defense forced 4 field goals which should have been enough. I worry about San Diego and a let down. They did have a great run.
When will the Yanks sign Robertson? Yikes.
Sayonara
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