What’s in Town
City Data offers demographic data about cities all over the U.S. Who would have guessed there was so much hazardous waste lying around in Bay Shore (but not as much as some places upstate)?
27 February 2004
Downtown
I live just south and a bit east of Sydney’s central business district, but when I head for the harbour or the Opera House, I’m going “downtown.” That isn’t the way locals speak, but after so long in NYC, my sense of any city is predicated on direction. It’s all turned around, though, because “downtown” Sydney would be “uptown” if I oriented myself according to the cardinal points of the compass, which was certainly part of my thinking back in the States. I’m sure this is an idiosyncrasy; other cities’ residents probably orient themselves according to whatever physical features form directional landmarks. Because NYC, above 14th Street, anyway, is set out on a grid, north-south-east-west are relevant (essentially: the geophysical orientation isn’t precise). Still, north as “up” and south as “down” is a Eurocentric point of view, one that’s become commonly shared. Not by all, it appears, and I’d like to get one of these “upside down maps” (Metafilter, being fun and useful again) and reorient my mind.
Postscript: so-called upside down maps are available from the Map Centre in Parramatta by email. There are three: one small laminated version, and two paper wall maps, one with Steve Irwin but also a relief version on the reverse.
I live just south and a bit east of Sydney’s central business district, but when I head for the harbour or the Opera House, I’m going “downtown.” That isn’t the way locals speak, but after so long in NYC, my sense of any city is predicated on direction. It’s all turned around, though, because “downtown” Sydney would be “uptown” if I oriented myself according to the cardinal points of the compass, which was certainly part of my thinking back in the States. I’m sure this is an idiosyncrasy; other cities’ residents probably orient themselves according to whatever physical features form directional landmarks. Because NYC, above 14th Street, anyway, is set out on a grid, north-south-east-west are relevant (essentially: the geophysical orientation isn’t precise). Still, north as “up” and south as “down” is a Eurocentric point of view, one that’s become commonly shared. Not by all, it appears, and I’d like to get one of these “upside down maps” (Metafilter, being fun and useful again) and reorient my mind.
Postscript: so-called upside down maps are available from the Map Centre in Parramatta by email. There are three: one small laminated version, and two paper wall maps, one with Steve Irwin but also a relief version on the reverse.
26 February 2004
Water Purification
I love a sunburnt country as much as anyone, but the ongoing drought raises many concerns and causes much head-scratching over solutions. Grey water - the re-use of water from the shower, bath, or laundry, etc. - offers a good deal of potential for making more intelligent use of fresh water resources, so I was fairly excited to see this new toilet design on Beyond Brilliance, Beyond Stupidity. There are some ergonomic problems, but it's still good thinking.
I love a sunburnt country as much as anyone, but the ongoing drought raises many concerns and causes much head-scratching over solutions. Grey water - the re-use of water from the shower, bath, or laundry, etc. - offers a good deal of potential for making more intelligent use of fresh water resources, so I was fairly excited to see this new toilet design on Beyond Brilliance, Beyond Stupidity. There are some ergonomic problems, but it's still good thinking.
Ballot Stuff
It’s times like this I’d like a scanner, but I’d probably go well overboard if I was putting pictures here as well as text. Anyway, I’ve now voted in the New York State Presidential Primary via absentee ballot, the instructions for which include (in English, Spanish, and Chinese) explicit examples of how to FILL IN THE OVAL on the electronically readable form. Why are the choices “Thomas Edison” and “Amelia Earhart” and why is the oval filled in for Edison? Is this an example of male bias in the political process or because Earhart was lost at sea and wouldn’t be able to serve anyway? Anyway, isn’t it fun that I get to vote for two sets of delegates? God only knows what will happen to the ¼ sent from Australia, but I’m sending Dean’s delegates in if my vote counts for anything. I am interested to know if I’ll automatically get sent a ballot for the November election, too, or if I have to request it specially: they appear to think I still live in NYC.
It’s times like this I’d like a scanner, but I’d probably go well overboard if I was putting pictures here as well as text. Anyway, I’ve now voted in the New York State Presidential Primary via absentee ballot, the instructions for which include (in English, Spanish, and Chinese) explicit examples of how to FILL IN THE OVAL on the electronically readable form. Why are the choices “Thomas Edison” and “Amelia Earhart” and why is the oval filled in for Edison? Is this an example of male bias in the political process or because Earhart was lost at sea and wouldn’t be able to serve anyway? Anyway, isn’t it fun that I get to vote for two sets of delegates? God only knows what will happen to the ¼ sent from Australia, but I’m sending Dean’s delegates in if my vote counts for anything. I am interested to know if I’ll automatically get sent a ballot for the November election, too, or if I have to request it specially: they appear to think I still live in NYC.
Death on Long Island
Oops, the movie is “Love and Death. . . .” But is it true that the Plum Island Research Center is the source of Lyme disease and West Nile virus in the United States? Did the ticks take the ferry? (From the Guerrilla News Network, whoever they are, via Follow Me Here.) Let’s spread rumors.
Oops, the movie is “Love and Death. . . .” But is it true that the Plum Island Research Center is the source of Lyme disease and West Nile virus in the United States? Did the ticks take the ferry? (From the Guerrilla News Network, whoever they are, via Follow Me Here.) Let’s spread rumors.
The Future Is Now
I hope you’ve got your stock portfolio in order and are following the recommendations on your 401(k), because if you’ve been counting on Social Security, you can stop now. Those of us twenty years or more from retirement who are paying in to the system cannot expect this program to survive long enough to see any of it back. Does that mean we’ll stop paying? Of course not. This is, essentially, an unfunded pension plan, and the money has to come from somewhere, and it surely won’t come from spending cuts on other programs, like going to war in Iraq. Bush’s stated position is an empty promise. Australia’s superannuation fund is likewise unfunded, but at least it’s also invested, so in a strong market there’s a chance for it to pay for itself. Not that it does.
I hope you’ve got your stock portfolio in order and are following the recommendations on your 401(k), because if you’ve been counting on Social Security, you can stop now. Those of us twenty years or more from retirement who are paying in to the system cannot expect this program to survive long enough to see any of it back. Does that mean we’ll stop paying? Of course not. This is, essentially, an unfunded pension plan, and the money has to come from somewhere, and it surely won’t come from spending cuts on other programs, like going to war in Iraq. Bush’s stated position is an empty promise. Australia’s superannuation fund is likewise unfunded, but at least it’s also invested, so in a strong market there’s a chance for it to pay for itself. Not that it does.
Spheres of Influence
Unlike the last Haitian conflict, George II won’t send troops to assist the democratically elected President, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, in quelling the civil disorder that now threatens his government, at least not until the rebels have been subdued by Aristide’s police or they are successful and have overthrown him. Once a political solution has been achieved, then the U.S. may send the Marines. We’ve been here before, and for the same Haitian President, but like the 1994 election, the results in 2000 are contested, this time, it appears, popularly and against Aristide, and four years is a long time to wait for the situation to be resolved. I suppose the U.S. has been busy elsewhere since the last election, and our troops are spread a bit thinly these days. Still, it’s rather ungracious of us to simply say “Don’t even think about coming here” to the inoffensive people stuck in the middle. American policy toward legitimate refugees from even its immediate neighbors has been harsh and doesn’t look to open up any time soon.
Unlike the last Haitian conflict, George II won’t send troops to assist the democratically elected President, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, in quelling the civil disorder that now threatens his government, at least not until the rebels have been subdued by Aristide’s police or they are successful and have overthrown him. Once a political solution has been achieved, then the U.S. may send the Marines. We’ve been here before, and for the same Haitian President, but like the 1994 election, the results in 2000 are contested, this time, it appears, popularly and against Aristide, and four years is a long time to wait for the situation to be resolved. I suppose the U.S. has been busy elsewhere since the last election, and our troops are spread a bit thinly these days. Still, it’s rather ungracious of us to simply say “Don’t even think about coming here” to the inoffensive people stuck in the middle. American policy toward legitimate refugees from even its immediate neighbors has been harsh and doesn’t look to open up any time soon.
25 February 2004
Art and the Built Environment
Last night we attended the opening of a new media art installations show, Spikes, which is meant to explore the relationships between humankind, technology, and the environment. Our friend Astrid Spielman was one of the artists, with two installations, and as has been my experience, hers were the centerpieces, even if the weather didn’t cooperate with the one projected on the university tower. That projection, of a life-size tree growing in the Tarquin Forest of Tasmania, is the kind of installation art I particularly enjoy: it engages its audience, offering participation without requiring it. We’ll have to go back when the rain clears off, but it’s only there for a week. We also scored one of the show posters, very high quality, and I’ll have to see about having it signed before we frame it. Now what I’d really like is an Astrid Spielman solo show.
Last night we attended the opening of a new media art installations show, Spikes, which is meant to explore the relationships between humankind, technology, and the environment. Our friend Astrid Spielman was one of the artists, with two installations, and as has been my experience, hers were the centerpieces, even if the weather didn’t cooperate with the one projected on the university tower. That projection, of a life-size tree growing in the Tarquin Forest of Tasmania, is the kind of installation art I particularly enjoy: it engages its audience, offering participation without requiring it. We’ll have to go back when the rain clears off, but it’s only there for a week. We also scored one of the show posters, very high quality, and I’ll have to see about having it signed before we frame it. Now what I’d really like is an Astrid Spielman solo show.
Stupid
Maybe I shouldn’t have said “stupid,” as it seems to have put some people on the back foot. The proposal by Orrin Hatch now being promoted by Arnold Schwarzenegger to allow a foreign-born President has at its root the desire to see a conservative Republican popularly elected (without the intervention of the Supreme Court, that is). My guess is that Senator Hatch doesn’t see George II lasting much longer and figures Arnie as having a good chance in 2008 (whether against Kerry/Edwards or Hilary Clinton, the latter of whom probably scares him very much indeed). That we have a clause in the Constitution prohibiting an alien President is really only there with the excuse that a generational commitment to citizenship is demonstrative of having the best interests of the Union in mind and so that no foreign prince could ascend the American “throne,” but I doubt Schwarzenegger would attempt to merge Austria and the U.S. or install a Hapsburg over us, so it may be that there are other, sufficient clauses in the Constitution to protect the nation from such eventualities. Godel may have formed a mathematical proof that the U.S. Constitution allows for the imposition of a fascist dictatorship, but again, despite his admiration for Kurt Waldheim, I don’t think Arnie’s going there, much as I suspect Hatch, Bush, Cheney, et al. of being desirous of such an alteration, in form if not in name. What I do think is pretty stupid, though, is that we continue to allow these things to happen. Schwarzenegger is a clever man – his political skills were honed in body-building competitions, where he was famous for being able to psychologically devastate his foes – but I doubt his skills as a chief executive. In fact, I think it gives him too much credit to suggest that he even had extensive input into his own campaign for governor. He is a tool: personable and willing, certainly, as is George II; but nothing more, as is the case with George II. Both men were elected and neither deserved it. Undermining the Constitution would continue the stupidity, whether by amending it to create a charismatic candidate from an Austrian actor or by the Supreme Court acting beyond the scope of its powers (let’s not even mention “activist judges,” o.k.?). Unfortunately – and this is the really stupid part – too many Americans don’t hold their representatives in government to a sufficiently high standard; they’re not even voting. The usual rule is that 10% of a population cause 90% of the problems, but we appear to be operating in the reverse. If only 20% vote, we can’t expect a worthwhile result. Davis may not have been much better in office than a carved block of wood and Gore may have exhibited campaigning skills of a similar order, but if we’re not more of us out there at every election and paying attention to what’s going on in between, we might as well have that dictatorship, fascist, Hapsburg, or Bush.
Maybe I shouldn’t have said “stupid,” as it seems to have put some people on the back foot. The proposal by Orrin Hatch now being promoted by Arnold Schwarzenegger to allow a foreign-born President has at its root the desire to see a conservative Republican popularly elected (without the intervention of the Supreme Court, that is). My guess is that Senator Hatch doesn’t see George II lasting much longer and figures Arnie as having a good chance in 2008 (whether against Kerry/Edwards or Hilary Clinton, the latter of whom probably scares him very much indeed). That we have a clause in the Constitution prohibiting an alien President is really only there with the excuse that a generational commitment to citizenship is demonstrative of having the best interests of the Union in mind and so that no foreign prince could ascend the American “throne,” but I doubt Schwarzenegger would attempt to merge Austria and the U.S. or install a Hapsburg over us, so it may be that there are other, sufficient clauses in the Constitution to protect the nation from such eventualities. Godel may have formed a mathematical proof that the U.S. Constitution allows for the imposition of a fascist dictatorship, but again, despite his admiration for Kurt Waldheim, I don’t think Arnie’s going there, much as I suspect Hatch, Bush, Cheney, et al. of being desirous of such an alteration, in form if not in name. What I do think is pretty stupid, though, is that we continue to allow these things to happen. Schwarzenegger is a clever man – his political skills were honed in body-building competitions, where he was famous for being able to psychologically devastate his foes – but I doubt his skills as a chief executive. In fact, I think it gives him too much credit to suggest that he even had extensive input into his own campaign for governor. He is a tool: personable and willing, certainly, as is George II; but nothing more, as is the case with George II. Both men were elected and neither deserved it. Undermining the Constitution would continue the stupidity, whether by amending it to create a charismatic candidate from an Austrian actor or by the Supreme Court acting beyond the scope of its powers (let’s not even mention “activist judges,” o.k.?). Unfortunately – and this is the really stupid part – too many Americans don’t hold their representatives in government to a sufficiently high standard; they’re not even voting. The usual rule is that 10% of a population cause 90% of the problems, but we appear to be operating in the reverse. If only 20% vote, we can’t expect a worthwhile result. Davis may not have been much better in office than a carved block of wood and Gore may have exhibited campaigning skills of a similar order, but if we’re not more of us out there at every election and paying attention to what’s going on in between, we might as well have that dictatorship, fascist, Hapsburg, or Bush.
24 February 2004
Two Americas
Who’s right? Are globalization and the Bush tax cuts making Americans better off, or has the country put all its eggs in a 19th century basket only to have them whisked away to China and India? When telecommunications companies put their call centers in Calcutta and every toy on the market is manufactured in China, a pair of Rockports on sale probably isn’t enough to change my mind on the issue. Although I’m just as threatened by globalization as the next person, I also recognize it as inevitable. We can just allow it to happen as it will, or we can try to direct the course of economic events to benefit larger numbers of people. Bush won’t do the latter, because the former is more likely to work to his personal advantage, but maybe Kerry/Edwards will.
Who’s right? Are globalization and the Bush tax cuts making Americans better off, or has the country put all its eggs in a 19th century basket only to have them whisked away to China and India? When telecommunications companies put their call centers in Calcutta and every toy on the market is manufactured in China, a pair of Rockports on sale probably isn’t enough to change my mind on the issue. Although I’m just as threatened by globalization as the next person, I also recognize it as inevitable. We can just allow it to happen as it will, or we can try to direct the course of economic events to benefit larger numbers of people. Bush won’t do the latter, because the former is more likely to work to his personal advantage, but maybe Kerry/Edwards will.
Comp. Lit.
Words Without Borders is making an effort at promoting literature of the non-English speaking world in translation, and there appears to be quite a lot here worth looking into (from Outside of a Dog, located via Outside Counsel. It’s surprising to me, though, that even with Chinua Achebe on the board, there’s nothing from Africa, despite all the Senegalese, Cameroonian, and other Francophone African authors. Perhaps it’s because Ousmane Sembene works in film these days, Camera Laye is dead, and Mr. Achebe writes in English to begin with?
Words Without Borders is making an effort at promoting literature of the non-English speaking world in translation, and there appears to be quite a lot here worth looking into (from Outside of a Dog, located via Outside Counsel. It’s surprising to me, though, that even with Chinua Achebe on the board, there’s nothing from Africa, despite all the Senegalese, Cameroonian, and other Francophone African authors. Perhaps it’s because Ousmane Sembene works in film these days, Camera Laye is dead, and Mr. Achebe writes in English to begin with?
Too Much Time Online
I’m not sure anymore how I found the Cassandra Pages, but I’ve been enjoying hearing about winter, among other things, the latest of which is a poetic rumination on the light in February. Very pretty, and a regular, now, as are (is?) the Coffee Sutras, which I enjoy as much for it’s name as for its contemplative entries.
I’m not sure anymore how I found the Cassandra Pages, but I’ve been enjoying hearing about winter, among other things, the latest of which is a poetic rumination on the light in February. Very pretty, and a regular, now, as are (is?) the Coffee Sutras, which I enjoy as much for it’s name as for its contemplative entries.
Nickles & Dimes
Only 10 states out of 50 in the U.S. have a deposit bottle law on the books, a program not present in New South Wales, but one I’d like to see introduced here sooner rather than later. Bottlers are getting US$85 million in unclaimed deposits, so there’s probably enough to go around over and above the benefits to the environment and to consumers. The program is terrifically successful, by my assessment, and we’d surely benefit here, too, if I judge the number of empties lying around correctly. I’m surprised it isn’t more common in the U.S., for that matter. I remember when I went to Michigan, the first place I saw the recycling deposit law in action, the streets were cleaner, and once it was in place in NY, the entrepreneurial spirit that engaged so many of the city’s poor was nearly incredible. 5¢ doesn’t get you very far in many places, and twenty cans is only a dollar, so you need over 200 to get a pack of cigarettes. That’s a lot of bottles and cans, and you’ll need to spend some time and effort to amass that supplement to your dole check. Before bottlers and supermarkets cry poor, have another look at what’s required of them – they’ve adapted quite well, I’d say. Maybe it’s time to share.
Only 10 states out of 50 in the U.S. have a deposit bottle law on the books, a program not present in New South Wales, but one I’d like to see introduced here sooner rather than later. Bottlers are getting US$85 million in unclaimed deposits, so there’s probably enough to go around over and above the benefits to the environment and to consumers. The program is terrifically successful, by my assessment, and we’d surely benefit here, too, if I judge the number of empties lying around correctly. I’m surprised it isn’t more common in the U.S., for that matter. I remember when I went to Michigan, the first place I saw the recycling deposit law in action, the streets were cleaner, and once it was in place in NY, the entrepreneurial spirit that engaged so many of the city’s poor was nearly incredible. 5¢ doesn’t get you very far in many places, and twenty cans is only a dollar, so you need over 200 to get a pack of cigarettes. That’s a lot of bottles and cans, and you’ll need to spend some time and effort to amass that supplement to your dole check. Before bottlers and supermarkets cry poor, have another look at what’s required of them – they’ve adapted quite well, I’d say. Maybe it’s time to share.
All the Cool Art Projects Are Taken
Why didn’t I think of this? Maybe because I don’t live in the Niagara-Mohawk area?
Why didn’t I think of this? Maybe because I don’t live in the Niagara-Mohawk area?
23 February 2004
Bomb the Ionosphere
So now weather is a national security concern? Actually, I see the point here: environmental change will surely wreak havoc on areas already operating at a sufficiently marginal level in many respects, not least being agriculture, obviously, and people unable to feed themselves are going to want to go elsewhere, not to mention that there will always be those who seize wield power in order to benefit themselves alone, which will require despotism and will create even more refugees. The "Fortress Europe" problem will be exacerbated and expanded considerably, putting the more industrially developed on the receiving end of many, many poor and desperate people. It will also make those nations more likely targets of the wrath of the underpriveleged. Too bad about the Kyoto Accords now; I hear those Blackhawk helicoptors don't work so well in harsh conditions.
So now weather is a national security concern? Actually, I see the point here: environmental change will surely wreak havoc on areas already operating at a sufficiently marginal level in many respects, not least being agriculture, obviously, and people unable to feed themselves are going to want to go elsewhere, not to mention that there will always be those who seize wield power in order to benefit themselves alone, which will require despotism and will create even more refugees. The "Fortress Europe" problem will be exacerbated and expanded considerably, putting the more industrially developed on the receiving end of many, many poor and desperate people. It will also make those nations more likely targets of the wrath of the underpriveleged. Too bad about the Kyoto Accords now; I hear those Blackhawk helicoptors don't work so well in harsh conditions.
President Schwarzenegger Saves the Union
It makes me foam at the mouth when that body-builder steroid case opens his mouth, although I save most of my invective for the moronic Californians who put him in office, and now I have to listen to him push for a Constitutional amendment that could put him in the White House? Isn’t it bad enough to hear him compare gay marriage to assault guns and heroin? Is America getting stupider since George II or was this happening before?
It makes me foam at the mouth when that body-builder steroid case opens his mouth, although I save most of my invective for the moronic Californians who put him in office, and now I have to listen to him push for a Constitutional amendment that could put him in the White House? Isn’t it bad enough to hear him compare gay marriage to assault guns and heroin? Is America getting stupider since George II or was this happening before?
Fact-Based Programming
I enjoy Queer Eye for the Straight Guy for the characters mostly, but I admit to getting at least one useful tip and one confirmation of an existing grooming practice. I’m not sure if we’re an entire season behind, in synch, or off by a shorter period (can I find out the winner of American Idol season 3? Do I care?), but our Kylie is the guest star on tonight’s episode. Kylie Minogue built her pop career on three things: pre-existing popularity from her stint on Neighbours, accepting the embrace of gay culture, and going to England to work with the music pros and where the previous two factors were already helping her. America may not be far off now, if QE popularity and a new Grammy can help. Advance Australia.
I enjoy Queer Eye for the Straight Guy for the characters mostly, but I admit to getting at least one useful tip and one confirmation of an existing grooming practice. I’m not sure if we’re an entire season behind, in synch, or off by a shorter period (can I find out the winner of American Idol season 3? Do I care?), but our Kylie is the guest star on tonight’s episode. Kylie Minogue built her pop career on three things: pre-existing popularity from her stint on Neighbours, accepting the embrace of gay culture, and going to England to work with the music pros and where the previous two factors were already helping her. America may not be far off now, if QE popularity and a new Grammy can help. Advance Australia.
Hats in the Ring
I am disheartened to hear that Ralph Nader will run again, although I’m not particularly fearful he will siphon votes from the Democrats, just that he will disrupt the campaign overall, a problem in this election year because of the issue of “electability,” a point of analysis being applied to candidates I’d much rather see fade from view sooner than the July convention. Nader’s contention that Washington DC has been hijacked by corporate interests has particular validity with the present administration, but economic forces private and public have been driving government from the beginning, and I don’t see Nader as the man to change that even a little bit. I wanted to like Gore for President four years ago, but he did everything he could to make that difficult (and so did Lieberman, which is probably worse, since it amounted to sand-bagging his running mate). I may end up having to like Kerry over Edwards or Dean, but I think that will be easier to stomach, and Nader’s message this time around only serves to make the choice more palatable.
Part of my point of view this year is a development from having taken a more active part in the campaign than I ever have before. Political activism for me has always been that I have voted in every election since I turned eighteen, but this year M. and I travelled out to Annandale to attend the Democrats Abroad Australia caucus. There were only nineteen eligible Americans there (and a couple of Australian “observers”), but the organizers ran the session well and the participants were all committed individuals spanning the political viewpoints in the field from Kerry to Kuchinch (no Sharpton supporters, though). There were only enough members to generate ¼ of a vote at the international caucus to be held in Edinburgh in March, but the process was fascinating, much different than just voting in a primary, and our 0.25% goes to Kerry, although it was a pretty near thing. I’m not sure why the Kuchinch and Edwards voters (3 each) transferred en masse to Kerry instead of Dean, but I think it came down to “electability ” again. The perception of Kuchinich as too weird and of Edwards as too inexperienced or unseasoned was balanced against Dean’s anger without taking his message sufficiently into account to my mind, leaving the field to Kerry. My sense of the campaign is that it will come down to Kerry and Edwards for just these reasons and that this is why Kerry will walk away with the nomination. He might need a new theme song, though (Dean’s was better)
I am disheartened to hear that Ralph Nader will run again, although I’m not particularly fearful he will siphon votes from the Democrats, just that he will disrupt the campaign overall, a problem in this election year because of the issue of “electability,” a point of analysis being applied to candidates I’d much rather see fade from view sooner than the July convention. Nader’s contention that Washington DC has been hijacked by corporate interests has particular validity with the present administration, but economic forces private and public have been driving government from the beginning, and I don’t see Nader as the man to change that even a little bit. I wanted to like Gore for President four years ago, but he did everything he could to make that difficult (and so did Lieberman, which is probably worse, since it amounted to sand-bagging his running mate). I may end up having to like Kerry over Edwards or Dean, but I think that will be easier to stomach, and Nader’s message this time around only serves to make the choice more palatable.
Part of my point of view this year is a development from having taken a more active part in the campaign than I ever have before. Political activism for me has always been that I have voted in every election since I turned eighteen, but this year M. and I travelled out to Annandale to attend the Democrats Abroad Australia caucus. There were only nineteen eligible Americans there (and a couple of Australian “observers”), but the organizers ran the session well and the participants were all committed individuals spanning the political viewpoints in the field from Kerry to Kuchinch (no Sharpton supporters, though). There were only enough members to generate ¼ of a vote at the international caucus to be held in Edinburgh in March, but the process was fascinating, much different than just voting in a primary, and our 0.25% goes to Kerry, although it was a pretty near thing. I’m not sure why the Kuchinch and Edwards voters (3 each) transferred en masse to Kerry instead of Dean, but I think it came down to “electability ” again. The perception of Kuchinich as too weird and of Edwards as too inexperienced or unseasoned was balanced against Dean’s anger without taking his message sufficiently into account to my mind, leaving the field to Kerry. My sense of the campaign is that it will come down to Kerry and Edwards for just these reasons and that this is why Kerry will walk away with the nomination. He might need a new theme song, though (Dean’s was better)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
