Cynicism Continues [an email to Ken Silverstein]

In looking at your posts from 5 November I feel jealous of Len Cassamas' position, namely that he feels like a citizen again. I wonder if he lives in Ohio or Pennsylvania or some other battleground state. If he does I wonder if he would feel the same way if he did not?

I, unfortunately, am having trouble not being cynical – for many of the reasons (money) that you point out. I do rejoice at the notion that we have elected a black man president. But some evidence already raises questions in my mind. In my little corner of the country all the McCain signs are down. But what of the Obama signs? Many still line the roads and intersections. This seems telling. Are they left there standing proud because of this historic vote, or are they there gloating in self-satisfaction? If the first, then well justified. If the second then we have good reason to be cynical.

I think my cynicism can be dispelled through some important acts, which must take place not within the first 100 days of Obama's term, but in the first 10.

1. Commence closing the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. The suspension of habeas corpus is the most troubling of the many offenses for which the sword of impeachment should have been swung on W. The closing of this camp would not go unnoticed around the world.

2. An executive order halting the use of torture and rendition for the DOD, CIA, FBI, everyone. And re-affirmation that the USA is in fact a signatory of the Geneva Conventions, and that they apply to our captives.

What a start that would be. Then maybe I'll start feeling like a citizen of the world again.

LSD

On this day in 1938 LSD was invented. And music quickly got better.

Open Comment to Hannaford

The past few times I've been into the Damariscotta store I have only been able to locate Mexican avocados. This particular item is of particular importance because the US import restrictions on Mexican avocados have recently been loosened. (Californian avocado growers are alarmed by this, not only because they have enjoyed some level of protectionism, but also due to very real pest and disease concerns.) I think that you should offer customers a choice of USA/Californian fruit vs. Mexican fruit. I don't think the lowest price should be the only criteria for your produce buyers.

This I think also applies to many other produce items and other goods. Especially in these uncertain/poor economic times, consumers should have a choice among competing local/national/international goods.

Thanks for your time.

Observation

Between here and Rockland there is not a single visible McCain sign still stuck in ground. There are, however, dozens of Obama signs still upright and visible. Gloating, anyone?