You are currently browsing the Down with Absolutes! weblog archives for December, 2007.
Gubernatorial candidate and local pizza-delivery man Rob Foraker forwarded this to my inbox:
Sir, (I’m wondering if or how to post on your site.) I am the most popular
candidate for Governor and will be part of Delaware forever. The election is the
birth of a new political party financially supported by the internet. Thanks
‘Nuff said.
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 12:46 PM PST
According to Berryhill (who, from my experience, is a very nice woman):
The only reason I don’t blog very much is because you don’t have to use your real name. People write in with opinions fully off-the-wall, and yet I cannot check their credentials on Google to see if they have any background to enforce their opinions or respect them.
It’s OK for people to comment anonymously on a blog. I know that goes against the majority opinion (or at least the loudest one), but the fact is that some people have careers to worry about. My co-author at The Soapbox went by the pseudonym of Silence Dogood (taking a note from Benjamin Franklin, I might add). One of my current co-authors is the pseudonymous Discourse. One of (if not flat-out) my biggest fans is the pseudonymous jj. My dad comments on this blog regularly with any of 5 goofball pseudonyms. None of these people — I mean, none of them — have ever given me reason to believe they’re “off-the-wall” in any way, shape or form. If anything, the people with off-the-wall opinions are more often than not using their real names (I’ll let you guys reach your own conclusions on the references).
The fact is that the Internet is incredibly public — a single e-mail, blog post (oops), or, yes, a comment with your name on it can completely destroy your career if it falls into the wrong hands. Some people (e.g., jj) prefer to comment anonymously because they currently HAVE jobs and don’t want clients to be deterred because of a political view. As it were, there is a life outside of the blogosphere, and to expect somebody to prioritize cyber etiquette above the very real danger of their boss getting offended if and when they read that comment.
I know there’s an ersatz code of honor among bloggers, and I also know that many of you take that way too seriously. But, speaking as somebody who has gotten himself into a lot of poo by putting his name on something, I would rather have somebody be thoroughly honest than quasi-censor themselves out of fear of offending somebody too much.
As for checking credentials… why should you have to? If somebody is right, their name should really not affect that. If they offer a source, and you can’t verify it, how does their name change that? The only real reason I could see for doing a background check on somebody is to go ad hominem, which shouldn’t be a necessity if you’re proving points to the BLOGOSPHERE. For God’s sake, how seriously are we taking ourselves here? Why do we need to see faces? The ideas and arguments are what matter to me, and I’ll support somebody (or take them down) regardless of whether or not they have a nametag on.
Oh, and for those of you who didn’t know, James Madison, John Jay and Alexander Hamilton all operated under the pseudonym “Publius”. François-Marie Arouet wrote under the pen name “Voltaire”. Do the Federalist Papers qualify as off-the-wall? Candide? Zadig? On the flipside, Thomas Paine was exiled for his writings.
Posted by Mat Marshall in General at 6:36 PM PST
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – According to the New Hampshire State Republican Party and an Associated Press report, Republican presidential candidate and Texas Congressman Ron Paul will be excluded from an upcoming forum of Republican candidates to be broadcast by Fox News on January 6, 2008.“Given Ron Paul’s support in New Hampshire and his recent historic fundraising success, it is outrageous that Dr. Paul would be excluded,” said Ron Paul 2008 campaign chairman Kent Snyder.
“Dr. Paul has consistently polled higher in New Hampshire than some of the other candidates who have been invited.”
Snyder continued, “Paul supporters should know that we are continuing to make inquiries with Fox News as to why they have apparently excluded Dr. Paul from this event.”
Fair and balanced, indeed. Just as I was starting to warm up to Brit Hume’s bloodhound face, too (come on… tell me you don’t want to scratch his ears).
Posted by Mat Marshall in General at 12:42 PM PST
Yes, yes. I’m uber bitch! And since I’m in the final stages of planning my New Year’s Eve menu, I’m super-critical of the crap so many restaurants in Delaware serve anymore. Sheesh. Anyway, let me share…
So I read all the time about how TNJ sucks. I’ve never really had much of an opinion on the matter until I read an article about food on their website today and realized just how wrong this “fine dining” critic woman person untrained palate (or maybe Elsmere-trained palate?) is! LAWD! If any of you know Michael and I, you’d know that we like to start shit (always for a good reason and usually because it’s over something we believe strongly in), are pretty straight forward (well, at least I am and without apology), and we both enjoy good food. So, this evening, at Patricia Talorico’s suggestion (after reading her picks in this article), I decided to head up to Lucky’s Coffee Shop to try out this “dreamy” Banana Cream Pie. Now, having a mother as a chef and being quite the gourmand that I am, I’m always up for a lovely meal and some luscious dessert. Unfortunately, the pie wasn’t luscious. Only marginal at best. It had 2 slices of banana in it and what seemed to be a lovely boxed custard/pudding topped some heavy cream, sugar and a little vanilla whipped in a mixer until it formed stiff peaks! I will say this, tho, I LOVED the crust!! But how hard is it to make graham cracker crust loaded with butter? NOT worth the $5.50 this place charged for a $3.50 slice of pie.
What gets me is where the hell do these people come from who claim to know food? Surely I’m not knocking Lucky’s as they’re only trying to make a buck being a small business, but I think Ms. Talorico either needs to have her palate adjusted or find a new job because there was nothing “fine” about that pie (or really any of her other picks in that article). Eric Ruth’s choices, on the other hand, are spot-on — at least as far as Delaware restaurants are concerned.
Oh, and I’d also suggest that pastry chef Judy Baker either try again or significantly lower her price! A huge disappointment. Excited to tell Michael about this pie today before I went to check it out … well, wasted breath. And I was looking forward to it too, damn it!
Posted by Justin in General, Food and recipes at 12:56 AM PST
Wow. Democrat candidate for governor, Jack Markell, must sure have some cash. As well as a whole lot of persuasive pull. In what is surely a coup to top all coups, Markell has gotten hold of former Delaware State News and all-around political junkie Joe Rogalsky has joined his team as communications director. Rogalsky, who left Delaware State News some time ago to work in Washington, was always a top-notch reporter. This news is quite exciting. Press release printed below.
Markell Continues to Build the Strength of His Campaign Team With the Addition of Veteran Political Reporter Joe Rogalsky.
Joe Rogalsky who previously covered politics for the Delaware State News will join the Markell campaign as communications director.
NEWARK — State Treasurer Jack Markell announced Wednesday that veteran political reporter Joe Rogalsky will join his campaign for governor Jan. 2 as communications director.
“We’re excited to have Joe on board,” Markell said. “He exhaustively covered the major policy issues affecting Delaware during his time here, and that experience will be a valuable asset to my team as we work to make our great state even better. ”
Rogalsky leaves a reporting position with the Washington Examiner, the second-largest daily newspaper in the District of Columbia, where he covered transportation issues and Virginia state politics. From 2002-2006, he covered Delaware politics and state government for the Delaware State News, earning a reputation for accuracy, fairness and insightful analysis.
“I’m thrilled to return to Delaware,” Rogalsky said. “Working to help elect Jack as Delaware’s next governor is the only thing that could lure me away from journalism. I look forward to helping Jack communicate his vision for Delaware. His plans to grow the state’s economy and implement a universal-health care system will truly make Delaware the First State in those two important areas.”
Rogalsky joins Campaign Manager Andrew Roos and Deputy Campaign Manager Dana Rohrbach on Markell’s staff.
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 4:24 PM PST
At 11:00 am, I’ll be appearing on WDEL with two venerable Delaware yakkers — Dana Garrett and Tyler Nixon. I think I’m supposed to be talking about pop culture in the year 2007, but I may just want to continue the topic of bashing the city of Wilmington. We’ll see. I’ll be prepared either way with stunning commentary. Maybe I’ll bring the new video camera and take some footage?
Posted by Mike Matthews in Friends at 8:15 AM PST
You probably have time to listen to WDEL at 11 then. I’ll be on with Al Mascitti, Tyler Nixon and, if I’m not mistaken, Jason Scott.
Update: No Al Mascitti or Jason Scott. Thank God — the room was crowded enough as it stood.
Posted by Mat Marshall in General at 9:49 AM PST
We all get tickled at the faux pas of those in power. Its fun to see the not-so-clever exposed of their naked greed, toadyism, cover-ups, nepotism, and government mismanagement. But the underlying goal we all seek is good government. And, even though its a hell of a lot more entertaining to examine the fecal matter bespeckling our more ineffective public servants, we can’t forget to support those who have actually done a good job, acting as our servants by representing the interests of all State citizens instead of the interests of the few and the powerful.
Brad Eaby, and most of the other Levy Court Commissioners, were recently recognized and praised by the Dover Post for acting, instead of reacting, on out-of-control development in Kent County. The Levy Court budget reduction in anticipation of less tax income due to the country-wide real estate bust market exhibited foresight and good, competent management. This proactive management prevented tax increases.
The Kent County Levy Court recently approved rights granted charter schools. This approval was done in the face and against special interest pressures heavily applied to various Commissioners (and the pressure worked in New Castle; County government there decided that the rights granted charter schools “needed more study”).
The Kent County Levy Court demanded that real estate interests pay their fair share of development impact on existing citizens. The developers are outraged that part of their profits should go to roads, police, electricity, sewage and water. The developers argue that we can simply raise taxes instead of requiring them to reduce profits. The developers say, “Let those who already live there pay for new government services.”
Those of you familiar with Delaware politics know the kind of retribution that is being exercised by those who used to control Kent government. They are pissed that the toadies who used to react to every whim of the special interests are no longer there. They are dead-set on re-staffing Levy Court with those previous Commissioners who could see a piece of buttered bread and know right where to lick.
Sometimes we wonder why its hard for elected officials to act in the interests of all rather than the interests of the few. I’ll tell you why: because its hard to do good when its so easy to submit to the moneyed, the powerful, and the rapacious. Day after day, year after year, the attacks by those who stand to personally profit become more irritating, more damaging, requiring more and more effort to fight. How do we counteract this? We get out and support those who protect us. Its easy to sit back and criticize. Its a lot harder to get out and actively support what we all say we need: good government. If you don’t, you get the government you deserve.
Brad Eaby, Kent County Levy Court Commissioner, is having a fund raiser on January 1, 2008, at 11am. The location is 1548 Persimmontree Lane, Dover, DE. The asked contribution is $25. Support those who have supported you. Show the special interests and entrenched powers that you can demand a better place to live. For those elected officials, like Brad, who are getting hammered by the $600 donation people who demand millions in return for their ‘max’ contributions, visible support that someone recognizes they are doing the right thing is a welcome respite from the enmity of those who want to control government through weak-willed toadies. Show your support. Your opinion does mean something.
Posted by Discourse in General at 9:09 AM PST
Yes, I got a video camera yesterday (thanks Dad and Stepmom!) So I decided to play with it. Perhaps I’ll get my film-major sister to help me with all the bells and whistles and that shit.
Here’s your dose of ugly for the rest of the year:
Posted by Mike Matthews in Personal at 10:27 PM PST
Merry Christmas!
And now, I depart to bed. Just wanted to get that post in before Dis or Mike.
Posted by Mat Marshall in General at 1:20 AM PST
I’ve been watching the show nonstop for a while now, and find myself quite obsessed. Recently, President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) offered this quote regarding Leviticus 18:22, the chapter/verse of The Bible that condemns homosexuality.
I wanted to ask you a couple of questions while I have you here. I’m interested in selling my youngest daughter into slavery as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. She’s a Georgetown sophomore, speaks fluent Italian, always cleared the table when it was her turn. What would a good price for her be? While thinking about that, can I ask another? My Chief of Staff Leo McGarry insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly says he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself or is it okay to call the police? Here’s one that’s really important because we’ve got a lot of sports fans in this town: touching the skin of a dead pig makes one unclean. Leviticus 11:7. If they promise to wear gloves, can the Washington Redskins still play football? Can Notre Dame? Can West Point? Does the whole town really have to be together to stone my brother John for planting different crops side by side? Can I burn my mother in a small family gathering for wearing garments made from two different threads? Think about those questions, would you?
The reason I say this makes me nostalgic is because it reminded me of my freshman year at Cab. Spring Break that year, I went to Europe with several of my classmates, freshman, sophomore, junior and senior. The trip itself was to Florence, Rome and Paris. While in Paris, we visited Notre Dame Cathedral, which is really an astonishingly beautiful building (as were many of the things we saw during our time across the Atlantic). I went inside to see the stained glass and everything, and found a small basin filled with holy water protruding from a pillar.
Now is probably a good time to remind you that I was baptized as a Roman Catholic. I never really learned much about the rituals surrounding the religion (I have probably gone to Church two dozen times in my life, all forced, and only two of those were to a Catholic Church), but all the same, I was baptized as a Roman Catholic. I don’t know why.
Anyway. I didn’t realize that it was Holy Water. So I washed my hands in it. Splashed a little bit on my face, too.
Again, baptized Roman Catholic.
Naturally, the parishioners were not pleased.
Posted by Mat Marshall in General at 9:14 PM PST
To simply come out with it, I received a Jefferson Award for Public Service today.
YDM co-president and high school classmate Tim McBride presented it to me before a musical theater assembly started today. Much applause was given. The Political Service award I won is one of four (the other three being Community, School and Environmental Service) that were handed out today. According to Tim, I won the award because I write for one of the “top political blogs” in the state, and for being a “hippie liberal”. A certificate and lapel pin (or at least that’s what I think it is) bearing the Jefferson Award logo were given to me.
So yes, I am officially Mat Marshall, the award-winning co-author of Down With Absolutes.
Hey-oh!.
Posted by Mat Marshall in General at 5:32 PM PST
This is beyond ridiculous.
While watching “Little House on the Prairie” the other night, I thought what a wonderful show that was and the many lessons it taught about life. Good television is hard to find.
Many disgusting shows fill the airways. I can’t believe people watch “The Simpsons,” a show that is filled with disrespect for parents. I could go on and on about other shows such as “Seinfield,” “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “Will & Grace” that are filled with cursing, sexual overtones and disrespect for others.
We have accepted many things that once were sins, like homosexual lifestyles. I’m not saying I hate these people. They are the most kind and talented people in our society. But their lifestyle is wrong.
I’m not judging; they have already been judged.
Abortion has been accepted as women’s right. How can murder be a right? Again we should love and try to help them, but it is a sin.
Years ago living with someone before marriage was considered a sin. Now we accept this. We read about the children of live-ins who are molested and brutalized.
I know we can’t change the world tomorrow, but we should try to make a difference. Don’t tell me life is better today. Just take a look around you.
This is the epitome of the hypocrisy of the Christian right, whether the example is Mike Huckabee or Larry Craig. Who the hell is this tool to preach about morality, and yet condemn others’ lifestyles? What was it that Jesus said? Let he among you that is without sin cast the first stone?
What a time for H.R. 847 to pass. Are you guys familiar with that? The House of Representatives passed a resolution, 372-9, which basically says Jesus is awesome, Christmas is hugely important, and that the United States is a Christian nation which owes everything to Christ. Oh, and for my liberal colleagues, Mike Castle voted “aye”.
For more on our “Christian Nation”, I refer you to an excerpt from one of my old posts at The Soapbox, entitled “God Is A Sound People Make When They’re Too Tired To Think Anymore”
“With this in mind, we should look at the founding fathers, their faith, and their moral influence. Perhaps most notable as the founders of this country are Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Thomas Jefferson was vehemently opposed to organized religion. Many consider him a deist, but that is his closest religious affiliation. He was not a Christian. John Adams was a devout Christian, but did not see its place in government, specifically saying in article XI of ‘Treaty of Peace and Friendship’:
‘…the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion…’
George Washington was baptized a Christian, but never stayed at services long enough for communion, and is widely considered a deist. Benjamin Franklin, perhaps the most philosophically mindful of the founding fathers, actually attacked religious dogma and orthodoxy after become a deist.
As far as their moral influence is concerned, George Washington and John Adams were arguably influenced by Jesus of Nazareth. However, there is no doubt in my mind that the slew of 18th century great thinkers were of more influence to the founding fathers than Jesus or the word of The Bible was. Perhaps the most notable of these thinkers is John Locke, an English naturalist. Locke’s assertion of natural rights (life, liberty and property) are paraphrased in the United States Constitution (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness). Locke’s ideas were not based on the tenets of Christianity; Locke was a deist.”
I’m pretty sure I just went on a ridiculously broad rant. I feel better now.
Posted by Mat Marshall in General at 12:36 PM PST
When I read the headline on Delaware Online’s main page, I already knew the culprit behind the nonsense. And I guessed his co-conspirator, as well. Because in Elsmere, Del. the law is two people — and two people only. Uber-conservatives John Jaremchuk and Joann Personti for years have attempted to get Elsmere City Council to pass laws sanctioning those who would enable illegal immigrants living in the town. Even though I personally disagreed, the immigrants are here illegally, so at least there’s some legal basis for their hysteria.
But this bullshit has gotten out of control. Now the town (read: Jaremchuk and Personti) want to legislate how businesses paint their businesses. All well and good — if a business is a true eyesore, a community has every right to legislate how its businesses decorate their exterior. However, those types of laws are often on the books to prevent loons from allowing their property to get ridiculously dilapidated, thus lowering the property values of surrounding homes and businesses.
The News Journal article is approaching 300 comments. One has to wonder what Jaremchuk’s motivations really are. Others have commented bluntly how they feel Jaremchuk’s actions these past few years have been one of a blatent racist; I’ve never gone that far. However, Jaremchuk’s comments in today’s News Journal — as well as the fact that the only business thus far to be targeted is a Mexican restaurant — will do nothing to assuage his critics.
John, calm down, buddy. You’re starting to lose it.
Update: This post is a damn mess. that’s what I get for using this pda.
Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth at 5:29 PM PST