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***Entry 428***
Wednesday, March 5, 2003
04:07 p.m.
Medical Marijuana Part 2
And...since I'm on a medical marijuana kick today, check out this new billboard campaign in the Bay Area. "Vote Your Conscience. Free America." For Sure.
Then...check out this marijuana news site.
***Entry 427***
Wednesday, March 5, 2003
11:25 a.m.
Action/Adam
Yesterday Medical Marijuana activists lambasted Democratic presidental candidate Howard Dean for his anti-medical marijuana stance. [Check out the photo of my co-worker, Adam Eidinger, holding a Dean=Death poster.]
"Howard Dean is unique among Democratic candidates," said Bruce Mirken, director of communications for the Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project (MPP). "He is the only candidate who has successfully killed a medical marijuana bill. Because of Dean's actions, cancer and AIDS patients in Vermont who use medical marijuana still face up to six months in jail. The 80 percent of Americans who support protecting medical marijuana patients want a candidate who will end the federal war on the sick."
And...in Related News
Adam will again be on CNN's Talk Back Live at 3pm today. This is the fourth time he's been on since late last December...proof that Adam is well on his way to being the most prominent Green Party/activist pundit in the US.
***Entry 426***
Tuesday, March 4, 2003
12:29 p.m.
WIGBad Update
The *best* independent film about...er...life in "conventional Washington," Washington Interns Gone Bad is screening at 9pm tonight at Visions Cinema. Rest assured, it will be *hot.*
***Entry 425***
Monday, March 3, 2003
05:35 p.m.
Another Reason Why I Miss College
"Liberal arts colleges are utopia," says Seery who admits their focus on "well-roundedness" can be hard to explain. "You spend four years reading, brooding over and savoring books. You're surrounded by other smart people, asking probing questions, sitting around a seminar table discussing geo-politics or science, not in a lecture hall of 200. You can learn the trombone with real people in small settings, and the same is true for economics, politics, arts, and English."
--From this piece on liberal-arts colleges and political theory. [link via: Political Theory Daily Review.]
***Entry 424***
Monday, March 3, 2003
11:44 a.m.
Responses to Chief Ramsey
Thanks to Julian for linking to my requests for a campaign to remove DC Chief of Police Charles Ramsey from office. [See below]
An update: I've received an response from Ward One Council Member Jim Graham. He stated via email: Thanks for your thoughtful message. I hear you. IN response to your email, my position depends on the Chief's response to the current set of challenges we are facing. The outcome of that in the next 60 days will determine my vote. bests Jim
***Entry 423***
Monday, March 3, 2003
09:31 a.m.
Post-... Thoughts
Sadly, I don't have enough time this morning to consolidate my thoughts on this Dreaming of Democracy piece. For the sake of linking to something else, I'm just going to say it looks forward to a Post-Saddam Iraq. And...since I'm on the Post-[something] kick, the Shirts Off Coalition has some interesting direct actions planned for the Day After the War Begins.
And...speaking of direct actions, look here first. Then watch this video which playfully juxtaposes the reality of tv smashing with the Meet the Press introduction absurdity. It's the best thing I've seen all day.
***Entry 422***
Friday, February 28, 2003
11:43 a.m.
The Name Game
In case anyone was wondering what happened to the "Beyond Zoe's Diary/This is Me" concept...It has been modified...nominally. This site is now the "Nominally/Arbitrary" project which emphasizes my over-use/mis-use of both of those words. Catchy, eh?
***Entry 421***
Friday, February 28, 2003
11:16 a.m.
Upcoming Events
Happy Friday everyone! Since I'm [more than nominally] mobile, I thought I'd get back to the tradition of announcing the *hot* upcoming events.
1. Feb 28: Q Burns [Abstract Message] is spinning at Lemur Lounge tonight.
2. March 4: Special Showing of the amazing underground film Washington Interns Gone Bad at 9pm at Visions Cinema.
3. March 9: Sherry Glaser will perform her fantastic play Oh My Goddess at 7pm at the Arena Stage. This event is a benefit for the DC IMC.
***Entry 420***
Thursday, February 27, 2003
05:58 p.m.
Weekly West Wing Review
While I could use ***Entry 420*** for other purposes, I will stay focused and discuss last night's West Wing episode. Important ideas/themes:
1. Managing crisis situations with limited resources.
2. Josh stated that the president and Leo made decisions through debate. [A subtle critique of Bush's unilateral policy making, for sure.]
3. Professionalization...Will Bailey coming into his own and making his interns real speechwriters. Toby leading Sam out of denial--his campaign for the 47th CD will surely lose. And the First Lady hiring the notorious *Amy* as her chief of staff.
4. Will Bailey can lay claim to the same rampant intellectualism that Sam Seaborn used to invoke--by citing Rawls and explaining progressive taxes.
5. And...Sam and Toby in a bar--returning the circle from the first episode of Season 4--it's not about winning...it's about making people's lives a little better. Perhaps, they can be made better through professionalization...
[Sorry that this week's analysis was so quickly written, but I'm trying to avoid the snow and get home from work before I get stuck again.]
***Entry 419***
Thursday, February 27, 2003
10:22 a.m.
More Validation
As if the recent Washington City Paper expose "Boss Hogtie" wasn't enough of an indictment of Chief Ramsey's lack of priorities, today this article printed in the Washington Post.
Mayor Williams response is characteristically ridiculous: As he has in recent months, the mayor said yesterday that he stood by Ramsey and the police actions. "We're balancing an open society with a safe city," Williams said at his weekly news conference. "It's important to evaluate and review what [police] have done but also to recognize that when they are on the spot and making very, very difficult decisions, it's important to back them up."
I've already written my Council Member, Jim Graham, asking him not to renew Ramsey's contract this year. If you think that the Chief of Police should be focused on *crime* not non-violent protesters, I suggest that you contact your Council Member as well.
Similarily
My co-worker, Adam Eidinger has made the following proposal for the DC Statehood Green Party:
Whereas Metropolitan Police Chief Charles Ramsey is personally responsible for sending undercover police to disrupt and harass DC Statehood Green Party members and other activists in their homes, during demonstrations and through misleading and untrue comments in the media.
Whereas under Ramsey's watch citizen input has been ignored and considered irrelevant in terms of policing priorities.
Whereas under Ramsey's watch crime in the nation's capital has increased.
Whereas under Ramsey's watch political message materials were confiscated and destroyed unlawfully by police.
Whereas under Ramsey's watch thousands of peaceful demonstrations protesting war in Iraq and the harmful effects of corporate led globalization have been unlawfully arrested and detained.
Whereas under Ramsey's watch bike riders have been rounded up violently by police and had their bikes confiscated and destroyed.
Whereas under Ramsey's watch permits for marching and other other constitutionally protected activities have been ignored or denied, sometimes just days before major protests.
Whereas Ramsey has wasted millions of tax dollars on a massive police presence during protests and unnecessary equipment such as flame retardent uniforms and riot shields.
THEREFORE, let it be resolved that DC Statehood Green Party calls on the D.C. Council to not renew Chief Charles Ramsey's contract this year and to immediately began seeking a new police chief.
***Entry 418***
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
05:17 p.m.
Virtual Protest in/and the Press
I'm amazed just how much press this whole virtual march/protest against the War on Iraq has gotten today. It may be the "largest" virtual march ever--but the solitary act of calling congress doesn't appeal to me. But, then again...living in DC means I don't have a "real" representative to call anyhow.
***Entry 417***
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
04:37 p.m.
Saddam vs. Bush: The Great Debate
Matt Bradley, whose machination.org blog is currently down, emailed this great debate err...satire. [Tony Blair moderates.]
Bush: That's because the great United American States of America are on the side of rightliness and Americanity, against an evil Axis of Evil made up of Iraq, North Korea and... how many are in an axis? Three?
Blair: I think you're allowed as many as you like.
Bush: OK, Iraq, North Korea and France.
***Entry 416***
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
09:46 a.m.
Wrong in So Many Directions
This essay claims, among other ridiculous things, that: the US Green Party is a communist front, Ralph Nader caused Al Gore to lose the 2000 election, and calling for further inspections in Iraq is equal to appeasement of Nazi Germany. Convoluted arguments like these, I hope, will not be taken seriously.
And, if that wasn't silly enough, the notoriously inept Drug Enforcement Agency cracked down on "Illegal Drug Paraphernalia." [I wrote the "notoriously inept" DEA press release. The DEA press release link via: Jay].
***Entry 415***
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
09:18 a.m.
Prepare to be Impressed
John has posted an amazing multifacited entry on a recent dialogue project he helped out with linking students at George Mason University with their counterparts at the University of Baghdad. The entry discusses how the American corporate media short-changes democracy, stereotypes of the Al-Jazeera network and the importance of communication. His analysis is as important as the project itself.
***Entry 414***
Monday, February 24, 2003
04:39 p.m.
The Little that I Understand Part 2
Since I got a walking cast, I can relax with this: "You will never regret the present, you live to its fullest."
--Today's Fortune Cookie
***Entry 413***
Monday, February 24, 2003
10:08 a.m.
Pre-Election [Yawn] Excitement
Paul Waldman's Sunday Post-essay
on how the media annoints the presidential campaign front-runner provides an interesting contrast to today's post-article about how Democratic Governors view the candidates. Waldman claims Mass. Sen. John Kerry is already the media fave, and therefore the "front-runner." Today's article seems to favor former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean. But, based on Weldman's own logic, the Democratic Governors have little say in the process. [And, they don't.]
So, it's [somewhat] nice to see that Howard Kurtz has used a mulitiplicity of sources to show that both Kerry and Dean are gaining steam. [Although, his headline "Howard Dean Gets Hot" is telling...] But does Kurtz's approach nullify the analysis Waldman gives?
Waldman is correct in stating that the media uses a predictable pattern for pre-election excitement. And he's right to proclaim Kerry as the front-runner. However, he fails to recognize Dean as the preeminent Challenger--which would be necessary to wholeheartedly validate his argument. If Kerry is the Al Gore of the 2004 race, then Dean is the Bill Bradley.
How's that for [yawn] generalizations?
***Entry 412***
Sunday, February 23, 2003
11:02 p.m.
The Little that I Understand
Joanne writes: Maybe it's just that anyone who can see miles ahead of them at the age of twenty-two is lying. Given that I'm twenty-two as well, I find it difficult to answer this statement definatively. [But, I'll talk about something to entertain myself.]
I make choices. Some benefit me in the short term--some in the long term. And some are necessarily detrimental. Regardless of the outcome of my choice, I never wish I had the opportunity to reverse it. It's hardly that I believe in some "higher plan" for me--or that "everything has a reason". Instead, I'm indifferent to my own past. Once it's finished, it's no longer relevant. [Yea...I'm back on that whole existentialism kick...]
I'm a forward-thinker. I'm concerned about progress and movement and growth. But, I can't see miles ahead of me. Although my life is considerably different from Joanne's--my future is as unclear as hers is. I know I can't predict the outcome of my life so I just live--largely to enjoy the short amount of time I will have on the road--and largely to anticipate what new and exciting things I will encounter.
[I don't know if I'll be back in the city tomorrow. I don't know if I'll get a walking cast. I don't know if I'll be able to continue to live my glorious life with my awful injury. But, I'm not going to lose sleep over it.]
***Entry 411***
Sunday, February 23, 2003
12:03 p.m.
On a More Useful Anti-War Movement
This subtle critique of both International ANSWER and large scale demonstrations is also the *perfect* analysis of what the anti-war movement should be working on.
We on the Left are not super-human and we have limited time and resources, so we have to make difficult decisions about priorities. Right now our movement is headed into a rut of trying to mobilize for large demonstrations on a monthly basis. But after February 15, we have the opportunity to move in a different direction. Instead of working towards large mobilizations and making arguments that are watered-down to appeal to a more mainstream crowd, we should shift gears and shift focus. It’s time make stronger arguments and entrench commitments while doubling our efforts to get the basic facts to more and more Americans in our own communities.
Finally...validation for why I chose not to go to NYC last weekend. I'm against a war on Iraq--but why should I have to march around with thousands of others to prove that. [After all, I have a blog...]
***Entry 410***
Sunday, February 23, 2003
11:39 a.m.
Why I need a Walking Cast
Or...What I've read in the last hour
1. This [nominal] critique/satire of reality TV. "ACLUeless" (Fox): Each night for 10 straight nights, America votes on which civil liberty to eliminate. John Ashcroft hosts. After reading this, I may have to reevaluate the Real Life: Washington, DC film project...
2. This report on "smart cards" laden with national ID fears. My thoughts: I don't know what I'd do without my SmarTrip metro card...It's hardly about security, it's about convinence. National IDs, on the otherhand, are not much different than the duct tape warnings: ridiculously useless, yet feared by millions.
3. [Okay...last one from the Post]...This article about furloughs for some faculty and staff members at some Maryland universities. Instead of this *drastic* measure--why not cut Maryland's corrections budget.
4. This review of another book about how American teenagers are being controlled by corporations. I haven't read the book...and I don't think I will. If I had been born a few years later, perhaps, I would have been "branded" as well. Thankfully, being on the tail-tail-tail end of Generation X has left me [and others born in 1980] gloriously removed from this obnoxious demographic...
***Entry 409***
Saturday, February 22, 2003
05:30 p.m.
From Merida
Narco News provides endless coverage of the Out from the Shadows Conference on international drug legalization. Some of it is in Spanish...but many of the articles are in English.
Ashley Kennedy's article comes with this warning: This contains sarcasm, anger and self- examination, which can cause side effects of extreme indignation when mixed with puritanical denial of the truth. May cause stomach upset or vomiting in those who value ancient cultures. Do not operate heavy machinery in the dark while reading it. Does not mix with American propaganda. If blind faith in drug war persists, please consult a mental health care professional immediately.
Read the article.
***Entry 408***
Saturday, February 22, 2003
04:18 p.m.
Patterns of Labelling
I have learned through the grapevine that one of my old high school teachers has accused me [publically] of being a communist. Now, this is nothing new--said teacher accused me of being a communist when I actually was a high school student. Well, in high school I led a May Day parade, I ran a campaign for Senior Class secretary with red-starred posters, I made long/erratic statements regarding the plight of the proletarian. But, I was never a communist.
The reality is something more complex. In a comment to indymedia babble months ago, I argued against labelling me. Put simply: I don't follow any [strict] ideology, therefore, it is ridiculous to attach a label to me. This was the case even in high school.
Contrary to my former teacher's understanding, my use of communist propaganda techniques was largely for my own amusement. It was far easier to get my fellow students engaged in substantive discourse by seeming to support outmoded Marxist theory; without my "long live the worker's struggle" commentary, my classes would have consisted of the monotonous droning voice of the teacher and my peers would have slept.
I should be commended for engaging the class--not dismissed *four* years later as a communist.
***Entry 407***
Saturday, February 22, 2003
03:20 p.m.
Belated Updates/ Broken Thoughts
In case you are unaware of the story line, here's a brief sketch:
Sunday morning err...afternoon, Josh calls me--insisting that I come over to his house immediately. It's snowing. I decide I need boots. Unfortunately, the only pair of boots I have are knee-high, platform, lace-up, industrial club boots. I put on a black trench coat and headed out into the blizzard. I looked hot.
A few hours later, we [Josh, myself and a whole crew of others] become snow people. Wearing goggles, helmets, etc. [in my case, yes, the boots], we hit the street intent on covering one another in the snow. All goes well until Josh's housemate Chris pummels me with a shovel full of snow. Intent on revenge, I filled my helmet full of snow and ran toward him.
And, then there was a pop. And, then there was a fall. And nearly a week later--I still can't walk.
I went to the doctor today. I learned that I broke my *leg* and that I'm going to have to get a *cast* on Monday. I'm hoping to get a walking cast, so that I can resume my hectic/exciting life.
Until I am remobilized [hopefully, Monday], I am going to enjoy myself. Joanne emailed me the best link to an A&L Daily-esque site on political theory. And...I plan on finishing Benhabib. Ahh...the unintentional life of the mind.
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