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| Saturday, November 7th, 2009 |
beatonna
|
5:40p |
Canadian cast of characters
Well, I used a lot of the suggestions that came my way from that post the other day! I was pretty pleased with the turnout of readers for that question, I must admit. I guess it's because you hear a lot that people don't give a darn about history in this country, if depressing yearly polls from the Dominion Institute mean anything, but it's clearly not the case among my livejournal followers. You guys are great! I had to do a general sweep that involved a good range of places, professions, backgrounds and time periods, so you know, not everyone's favorite author is going to be in there but I sure did like the range in suggestions. Looking at it now I wish I had someone from the NWT (not one! for shame) and New Brunswick. Stompin Tom is from New Brunswick but he's also sort of from everywhere. I could have put the Irvings in there, I think they control history in NB as well as anything else. I was all crazed out with strep throat while I did this, but listening to Radiolab shows and a burning passion for Canada I guess(?) kept me going. You can find the image in today's National Post, along with an article about the Historica/Dominion merger! Interesting stuff. ( picture is under the cut because it's huge )Here is the legend, the rows are sort of wonky but you'll figure it out: Row One (bottom):
James Wolfe, Louis-Joseph de Montcalm, David Suzuki, Louis-Joseph Papineau, John A. Macdonald, Terry Fox Row TwoEmily Carr, Joseph Howe, Joey Smallwood, Robert Bartlett, Louis Riel, Joy Kogawa Row ThreeMarshall McLuhan, Samuel de Champlain, Marilyn Bell, Wayne Gretzky, Emily Murphy Row FourRene Levesque, Sam Steele, Farley Mowat, L.M. Montgomery, Susanna Moodie and Catherine Parr Trail, John McCrae Row FivePitikwahanapiwiyin (Poundmaker), Oscar Peterson, Rush, Pierre Berton Row SixLes Filles du Roi, Mary Pickford, Skookum Jim Mason Row SevenCharles Best, Frederick Banting, Pauline Johnson, Mordecai Richler, Tecumseh, Stompin’ Tom Connors
Row EightWilliam Hall, Tommy Douglas, Marc Garneau, Roberta Bondar, Rosemary Brown, John Diefenbaker Row NineShanawdithit, Louis de Buade de Frontenac, David Thompson, William Shatner |
lizblackdog
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5:42p |
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montymark
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4:47p |
Going international
Last week I wrote this post about the introduction of training in the Extraordinary Form of the Mass at the Tiltenberg seminary. Knowing topics like these are of interest to him, I also emailed it to Father Z. And today he published it on his blog, but with a link to Rorate Caeli who have evidently also picked it up. It's pretty amazing to see some of my scribblings being picked up by websites with a large international audience. Yes, this is new for me :P But, judging from the replies on the Rorate Caeli post, it seems prudent to keep the international Catholic blogosphere informed about the good things that also happen in the Netherlands. |
| Friday, November 6th, 2009 |
beatonna
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9:34p |
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queenettefallon
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3:15p |
Supernatural "Changing Channels" 5x08
NO, I'm not planning to review every episode or anything like that, but since this was my first episode, and one I really enjoyed, I thought I should talk about it a little bit, though I could sum it up in one word: WOW!
Oh, and feel free to continue reading even if you haven't seen the episode yet, because I've kept this spoiler free...Okay, I admit at first I thought maybe I'd picked a bad episode as my jumping in point. It seemed like it was going to be pure cheese, and while some cheese works, I admit I don't have the tolerance for cheese that I once did. However, by the fifteen minute point I was in love, and by the half hour point I was kicking myself for not getting into this sooner. (Next weeks episode looks like it'll probably be good to.) To be honest, this episode took me right smack back to early Buffy where things happened related to the overall plot even in the so-called "stand alone" episodes, and overall this weeks episode of Supernatural did have a stand alone feeling. However, I get the feeling the big reveal here was BIG - I mean it felt big to me, so it was probably even bigger to those who've followed the show all along. That's an interesting point in itself. I get the feeling that if I'd been watching Super natural all along not only would I have liked this episode even more (and make no mistake I did like it), but I would have probably been floored by the big reveal. So, kudos Supernatural peeps, you made an awesome episode, and you made it in such a way as to reasonably explain itself even to people who've never seen the show before. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to check Fandom_Wank, because I suspect someone somewhere is wanking about a certain bit (think CSI: Miami) from this episode... Now I admit I don't love CSI: Miami, and probably because of that I thought that bit worked best. However, I'm sure there's one (or more) hard-core Caruso fans out there who might be upset/offended. ( I did however love Knight Rider back in the day, and still loved that bit...
Also, LOVED the ad (if you've watched the episode you know what I'm talkin' about), but that is another thing I suspect would have been even better had I been watching all along.) Current Mood:  cheerful |
montymark
|
9:31p |
Incidental gifts not enough for viable education of handful of students
The communications office of the Archdiocese of Utrecht has issued a statement to complement the news item about the closing of the Ariënskonvikt. That decision has caused much upheaval among those directly involved and a handful of bloggers who believe they know the ins and outs of every decision made by any bishop in this country, and have the rigth to criticise, vilify and slander these men whenever they see fit. Of the former category (of those involved, not the bloggers) is Mr. Pieter Hemels, who advises the archdiocese on financial matters. He has decided to try and raise the funds to keep the Ariënskonvikt open. A lofty goal, to be sure, but can it be done? Archbishop Eijk says no. ------------------ Incidental gifts not enough for viable education for handful of studentsOver the past days it became clear that the upcoming closure of the Ariënskonvikt in Utrecht is a reason for some people to start a fundraising campaing. Archbishop Eijk calls these initiatives 'heartwarming', but also points out that the financial need is greater than the initiators may assume. The archdiocese asks thereore not to donate money to keep the Ariënskonvikt open: this won't offer a structural solution. The costs of the education of a single student at the Ariënskonvikt are now 36,000 euros annually. That is more than annual income of the average Dutchman (in comparison: the income of Joe Sixpack is in 2009 some € 31.000). The Ariënskonvitk has worked for a long time with its own budget, of which the income is of an incidental nature: mostly inheritances, legates and gifts. Because the konvikt often closed with a deficit, the archdiocese paid the remainder of the costs. But since the archdiocese has hardly any financial reserves, this situation can't continue forever. Structral defrayment is only possible from a return on capital. Even gifts of several tens of thousands of euros won;t fofer a certain foundation for a financially healthy seminary. More important still is the fact that the number of students has dropped so much in the past few years (only six of the twelve students for the archdiocese itself), that the investment of so much money is out of proportion. This puts a pressure on the community life, which is very important in a seminary. The fact that the Ariënskonvikt is a konvikt and not a true seminary played no part in the decision to close it. Fund raising continuesThe education of priests at the Tiltenberg, where the students from Utrecht will continue their studies next year, also costs money, of course. The to-be-established Ariëns Institute, which will be responsible for vocations support and the guidance of students during their placement in a parish, will also cost money. The efforts to raise money for vocations support and the education (through the Fonds Priesteropleiding) will therefore continue on behalf of the archdiocese. Initiatives in this area are very much welcome, of course. ------------------ Here and there people have questioned the costs mentioned and called for a look in the books, so to speak. But is that really any business of them? I think not. It's not been a secret that the archdiocese is in financial dire straits. I personally believe that part of the reason of Msgr. Eijk's appointment there has been the need to clean things up. He did the same in Groningen-Leeuwarden, when he started here in 1999. Whatever the exact figures in the books, it is not surprise that drastic steps need to be taken to ensure the survival of the archdiocese. These steps are never enjoyable, but they must be taken, and decisively too. The decision to raise funds is indeed lofty, but I doubt it will can be a structural solution. The Ariënskonvikt will need an income every single year. A campaing like this may indeed succeed for the first year. But what about the next? I doubt the achdiocese will cover any deficits they'll have. It'll be a sort of in-between solution, which won't help getting the archdiocese back on its feet in any structural sense. And that is the first priority. Once the archdiocese runs smoothly again, who knows what may be possible? A refounding of the Ariënskonvikt? It is theoretically perfectly possible. But not right now. |
kradical
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8:15a |
Schott's Miscellany 5 November 2009
Art Garfunkel born (1941)MITHRIDATIZATION Mithridatization is the practice of protecting oneself against a poison by gradually self-administering nonlethal amounts. The word derives from Mithridates VI (c.163-132 BCE), the King of Pontus, who so feared being poisoned that he regularly ingested small doses in the hope of developing immunity. Having been defeated by Pompey, Mithridates attempted to kill himself with poison--but his mithridatization proved too successful, and he was instead compelled to order a mercenary to stab him to death. What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82) Current Mood:  awakeCurrent Music: "Hoochie Coochie Man" by Jeffrey Wright |
dalaire
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6:20a |
Off for the weekend!
Child and I are off for the weekend to visit friends, the Smithsonian and, finally, IKEA. Most of the excitement will be the Saturday, Smithsonian day, as promised for Max's birthday. Not that we ever need that much of a reason to visit there, but at this time of the year, right in the school year with the holidays coming up, it's a real treat. It will be wonderful to visit with my girlfriend, too. I have really missed my friends since the wedding--heck, even the year before it. It's just been too hectic to get out of Dodge. But anyway, see you all on Sunday! Current Mood:  happy |
montymark
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11:51a |
'Disorder order' on Sunday
Some Catholic bloggers consider the Nederlands Dagblad an 'unimportant Protestant rag', but as long as it publishes articles that cover the spectrum of various Christian denominations without ignoring the Catholic Church, I'll happily read it. The article below discusses a day of study on liturgy, the order of service in the various church communities and its importance (or lack thereof). Editor Wim Houtman is the man responsible for the article. 'Disorder order' on SundayHILVERSUM - In many churches there are tensions about liturgy. Set forms seem to be a thing of the past and plurality does not automatically appear. The liturgical landscape was esplored at a study day in Hilversum. "In the liturgy we read, pray and consider. And we sing - and then everything is alright! As long as you want to keep the story of the Living alive, by whatever means." Ko Schuurmans takes part in the discussion from the audience. He is staff member of the Roman Catholic diocese of Haarlem-Amsterdam. As far as he is concerned, the ancient structure of the service - entrance, confession of guilt, gloria, word service, table service, praise - is exceedingly strong, as he explains during the break. But this can be celebrated with modern songs. Not everyone is convinced of that, yesterday at a study day about liturgy in Hilversum. The new Song book that is being prepared for a number of Protestant church communities, is discussed; sounds of concern emerge. So it will be a mishmash? Can a community still have its own identity? And if the members of the community are varied, will it become a service along the lines of 'we do what you ask'? A minister says that she sometimes answer 'no' to wishes from the community. "When you remain authentic in that, others will finish you very authentically." Upon further questioning it turns out she answered 'no' to a girl who asked if she could use a charismatic praise song at her confirmation service. ConsumersLiturgy is no longer of one single form; set patterns make way for an enormous variation. Thatc auses tensions and that was what the study day, called 'Liturgie op Maat'[Liturgy to size]. The day was organised by the (Roman Catholic) Society for Liturgie Studies and the (Protestant) Liturgical Circle. "These days, there is a 'disorder order' on Sunday mornings," said professor in Liturgy Sciences Marcel Barnard. "A local shapeless form, dictated by the moment. There is not one single order of liturgical movement, but only movement." "We often still think too modern," Religion Sociologist Kees de Groot said. In the 'solid modern' society of the past five centuries, the production process dictated the relations (boss, worker, housewife) and your identity would be largely set. In the 'liquid modern' society of today, cosumers dictate and you r identity is in a continuous flux, from one stage of life or context to the next. That also goes for the church: in the past the centre of gravity lay with the religious specialists, who established the liturgy. Now the experience of the consumers has become more important. In prison there is no choice, or else you won't connect with the inmates, says Department of Justic minister Arjan Noordhoek. There is much singing (especially praise is very popular) and as minister you must establish yourself in your preaching. But the 'churchgoers' don't just come for a cup of coffee and a change of scenery, he notices. "In the prison chapel there must be a sense of sanctity. And safety," Noordhoek says. TheologyLiturgical styles are not just interchangeable, dogmatic and Old Catholic priest Mattijs Ploeger think. The detected a theological gap. Evangelical theology is about personal conversion and salvation. In the classic 'ecumenic' theology you receive the faith through the church and you are part of creation which shares in God's reconciliation. But song can conect all the same, Pieter Endedijk, editor of the new Song book, said. There has been a growing polarisation surrouding church music. Different movements within the churches criticised the songs of the others. "We did not speak. Now there is discussion and in the work groups creating the new Song book I now hear people say: 'Okay, it's not my kind of music, but it should be included.'" According to him, local communites should decide on the songs for the service. There is alreadya lot of variation between communities, classically reformed, modern liturgically, evangelical and more. Or is it possible for one community to be varied as well? And will that be just 'to each their own' or for 'the sake of peace', or can variation also be a quality in itself? The question remained unanswered after the study day. On a local level this still causes tensions. Young people do want their own identity in the church, Marcel Barnard said. Research shows that they appreciate 'outdoor' events, like youth days or music festivals, but that they want to be rooted in a group 'at home', to have an identity of which they are a part. ---------------- Considering liturgy as a Catholic, I find that this article missis the vertical element - from people to God. They only seem to have discussed the horizontal - people among themselves. I don't deny the importance of community, but that is but one part of the liturgy. Ultimately it needs to direct the community towards God. Also, while variety can be important since it can prevent people from getting lost in the great generality, it can't be allowed to be the deciding factor. As part of world church, of a baptised people, there must be something that expresses this unity of the people before God. That is why an exclusive focus of what the people want and like leads to an incomplete result and ultimately to division. |
kradical
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1:30a |
quote of the day
"That's the blues, ain't it? A whole lotta fuckin'." ---Muddy Waters (Jeffrey Wright), Cadillac Records Current Mood:  amusedCurrent Music: Cadillac Records on DVD |
| Thursday, November 5th, 2009 |
kradical
|
11:21p |
see the roast on Facebook!
But only if you're a friend of Dave Mack ( ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) infinitydog). He's put up select video clips from the comedy roast of self at Shore Leave this past summer, but the only way to see them is to be Dave's friend. It's okay. He won't bite. Much. Check him out...........*grin* Current Mood:  sillyCurrent Music: "So Far Away" by Dire Straits |
kiramowett
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7:50p |
On a lighter note...
I made this charm necklace two nights ago:  I love charms. I've found a lot of good ones in the stores lately! And I just couldn't resist the little Eiffel Tower. Current Mood:  creative |
beatonna
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8:26p |
Quick comics time
What a week! Strep throat, broken website, a commission that took like eighty days (in one week!) to complete, jeepers. Well it can only mean one thing. It's quick comics time again, and done by request as is custom (it's about the only time I formally take requests anymore and only on livejournal, you are my special little guys!), so ante up all yous edit! Whoa I should mention, I think some people have the idea that I will do all the requests! There are always way too many, that is impossible, I just do some. But I read them all, and some of them will be turned into bigger comics, you never know. |
kiramowett
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4:41p |
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kiramowett
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4:25p |
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montymark
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8:27p |
Bishop of Groningen-Leeuwarden cross about step Archbishop Eijk
We haven't heard much from the officials involved about the closure of the Ariënskonvikt: The archbishop has of course given his reasons, Bishop van den Hende of Breda has said that he will consider the future of his students and Rector Schnell, in an interview with Nederlands Dagblad has uttered his disappointment with the decision. Now my bishop has also voiced some of his thoughts and feelings, as well as some plans for the future, in an interview with the Friesch Dagblad. Here is a translation. ---------------- Bishop of Groningen-Leeuwarden cross about step Archbishop Eijk. De Korte still wants education in UtrechtGroningen - Bishop de Korte of the diocese Gronngen-Leeuwarden will look into the possibility of maintaining a small konvikt, together with Bishops van Luyn (Rotterdam) and Van den Hende (Breda). By Hanneke Goudappel.  From a small house community, candidates for the priesthood could continue studying at the Faculty of Catholic Theology in Utrecht. Tuesday the archdiocese announced that Archbishop Eijk will close the konvikt in Utrecht at the end of the current academic year. Bishop de Korte was told about the decision on Monday afternoon, during a lunch with Eijk. He is not happy about it. Students from the dioceses Groningen-Leeuwarden, Breda and Rotterdam also study at the Ariënskonvikt. "It is a shame that Archbishop Eijk did not discuss with us," De Korte says. Eijk brought the diminishing number of students and the financial situation of the archdiocese on as reasons for the closure. "We could have talked about the latter. For example, we might have tried to see if the costs of living could be lowered. At the moment, the students live in very old and monumental houses in the inner city." It remains to be seen if Eijk, next to his official arguments, has a hidden agenda. With the disappearance of the Ariënskonvikt only one model for the education of priests remains. "The other four institutions are all semianries, modeled along French lines. They are located in thwe woods or rural areas, in any case far from society," according to De Korte. Inner city"Cardinal Willebrands, who established the Ariënskonvikt in 1979, consciously chose the konvikts-model, in which students do not live and study in a single location. He established a house in the inner city, from where students follow classes at a university. Because of that students on the one hand live in relative quiet (diue to the community in the house, with a daily Mass and reflection), but they're also part of today's world. Added to that, this model also assures a ecumenical setting, because of the encounter with other students of theology." Upon his installation as bishop of Groningen-Leeuwarden, De Korte chose the Ariënskonvikt as the training grounds for the diocese, for exactly these reasons. "I fully support the students being part of society. I suspect the archbishop sees that differently." De Korte studied at the Ariënskonvikt himself and was its rector from 1992 to 1999. At the moment, four of the fourteen seminarians of the northern diocese study in Utrecht. New students would also study in Utrecht. De Korte has no wish to "set one institution against the other," but also prefers the Ariënskonvikt because of its academic level. "With its classes at the Faculty of Catholic Theology, the Ariënskonvikt is the only place in the Netherlands where priests are trained academically." Bishop de Korte has already been in touch with Bishop van Luyn of Rotterdam, Bishop van den Hende of Breda and Rector Adelbert Denaux of the Faculty of Catholic Theology. "We want to see if we can't establish a community in Utrecht, perhaps together with the Jesuit order. We will try and find a house that we can buy or rent, and see if the idea is viable." "If that doesn't succeed, I think we'll have to house or students at the Tiltenberg seminary of the diocese of Haarlem-Amsterdam," de Korte says. "That is geographically the most logical choice." ---------------- I'm not too fond of the suggestion of the archbishop's hidden agenda. Maybe I'm being naive, but it smacks too much like fear-mongering in certain other blogs. In short, my thoughts about the issue can be summed up like this: I have no problem assuming that closure of the konvikt was necessary for the financial health of the archdiocese, I do think it's shocking and a shame, and I think the communication to all parties involved could've been handled much better. Do I call for resignations and public apologies to all and sundry? No. Ultimately, this needs to be resolved between the bishops, the staff, the students and the faculty. Simply put, that's none of our business. Anyway, onwards. I'd read about the bishop's idea of exploring the possibilities of a continued if smaller konvikt in Utrecht, but the possible involvement of the Jesuits is new. I wonder about the viability of such a konvikt. If we take the students from Rotterdam, Breda and Groningen-Leeuwarden studying in Utrecht now, we have seven people. Add to that the standard influx of new students and I think it'd be optimistic if there'd be a dozen students. They'll need a staff working with them, and a place to be housed. The only significant difference would be possibly cheaper housing. Old and monumental buildings, however nice, are obviously not required. My point is, it would still need a financial basis not much different from that of the Ariënskonvikt, albeit that the future konvikt would not have the support of the archdiocese. Of course, I know next to nothing about the financial means of any diocese, so I may well be wrong about all this. But I do wonder. Sending everyone to the Tiltenberg will also raise issues, not least about the level of education, as the bishop raised in the interview. The Tiltenberg is also limited in the amount of space. If it's going to house all students from Haarlem-Amsterdam, Utrecht and Groningen-Leeuwarden and still want to host guests every now and then, not to mention the sisters who take care of the household, they're going to have to expand. When I visited there in the beginning of this year, I heard concerns being voiced about students having to move to guest rooms if the influx of new students was as high as everyone thought it would be. That expansion will also cost money and will have to be paid for by the three dioceses mentioned. Whichever option you choose, it is going to cost money. The question is now which is going to cost least and will result in the most viable future? Whoever said that bishopping was easy? :P |
kradical
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2:07p |
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kradical
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1:49p |
Schott's Miscellany 4 November 2009
The machine gun was patented by American inventor Richard Jordan Gatling (1862)SPORTING HAT TRICKS In sporting terms, hat trick was originally a cricketing term for the feat of taking three wickets in three successive balls. There is some debate as to the origin of the phrase--some claiming that the bowler was given a new hat by the members of his team *; others claiming that the bowler's hat was used as a receptacle for an informal "passing of the hat." Either way, since the 19th century the term has escaped the boundaries of the cricket pitch, and is generally used for any kind of triplet in any sporting endeavor. * In 1858 D.V.P. Wright, having bowled a hat trick, actually was presented with a new hat. We are all strong enough to bear the misfortunes of others.
Duc de la Rochfoucauld (1613-80) Current Mood:  curiousCurrent Music: "Send My Body Home" by Uncle Bonsai |
kradical
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1:48a |
Schott's Miscellany 3 November 2009
Election DayTHE AMERICAN'S CREED I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from teh consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag; and to defend it against all enemies.It was written by William Tyler Page (a descendent of President Tyler) in 1917, as an entry for a national competition for a composition that embodied the principles of America. The competition, conceived by Henry Sterlin Chapin, the Commissioner of Education in New York, prompted over 3,000 entries. Page's text was formally adopted by the House of Representatives in April 1918. Read over your compositions, and where ever you meet with a passage which you think is particularly fine, strike it out.
Samuel Johnson (1709-84) Current Mood:  tiredCurrent Music: "Desert Rose" by Sting |
kradical
|
12:56a |
a World Series poem, hastily constructed, badly written
Here's to A-Rod and his Centaur picHere's to Damon Johnny and Swisher Nick Here's to CC, A.J., and Mo Here's to Molina, Cervelli, and Po Here's to the Captain in the leadoff spot Here's to Marte for getting red-hot Here's to Teixeira and his stretchy right leg Here's to fifth starters for which we would beg Here's to Joba and Phil, arms for the future Here's to Chien-Ming Wang and his sutures Here's to Melky and Gardner, fighting for starts Here's to Hairston and Hinske and other spare parts Here's to Cashman who put it together Here's to Cano, who can't handle bad weather Here's to the bullpen from D-Rob to Ace Here's to Pettitte and the killer gaze Here's to Matsui, Most Valuable Player And here's to Girardi, who'll need a new number Current Mood:  bouncyCurrent Music: the postgame interviews |
missfoxie
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2:12a |
Omg, look at Bebe
 Bebe and Nathan? Perfect casting. Actually, everyone looks perfect. Yayyyy. ETA: Ahahahaha, LJ informs me that this is my 666th entry. How very appropriate. |
| Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 |
kradical
|
7:52p |
World Series liveblog
The Yankees are facing the Phillies in Game 6 of the World Series. Andy Pettitte is going on three days' rest for the Bronx Bombers against Pedro Martinez for the Phillies. Despite the number of times their teams have faced each other, this is the first time Pettitte and Pedro have faced each other in the postseason. The Yanks won the last time Pedro pitched (Game 2) and the last time Andy pitched (Game 3). The Yanks have their best lineup out there, and they have the better bullpen. The Series could end tonight. I'm going to liveblog as much of this game as I can (I'm at my parents' place -- it's my father's birthday, and he'll be home any minute, and we'll be having dinner during part of the game), because I'm just that crazy. So check back for updates, if you actually care..... *grin* ( The liveblog behind the cut.................. )That was great. I am a happy Yankee fan. All credit to the Philadelphia Phillies. The World Phucking Champions made a serious fight of it, and they made even a 7-3 game a nail biter. But this is very very very very very sweet. WOOT! Edited to add: Hideki Matsui deservedly received the WS MVP. Go, go Godzilla! Current Mood: giddyCurrent Music: World Series Game 6 on FOX (obviously) |
| Thursday, November 5th, 2009 |
pointyhairedone
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12:10a |
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| Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 |
jrittenhouse
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4:00p |
Last night in whoville:
…is only indicative of local situations, really – with two caveats.
- If you run a crappy candidate and a nasty, dumb campaign, don’t be surprised when you lose.
- If you spend a lot of money and should have won or just barely won, that says more about your campaign and your candidate than anything else.
In Virginia and New Jersey, the Democrats ran really poor candidates and got beat. In NYC, Bloomberg spent $100M of his own money and won by a much lesser margin than expected; exit polls said that his gyrations to but term limits didn’t go over well with voters.
In New York’s 23rd congressional district (which will go the way of the dodo come next reapportionment and census) the Conservative Party candidate and his snarky stunts and we’re-entitled-to-stomp-the-unpure approach, hand in hand with Glen Beck, didn’t go over well with the locals. For the first time since the 1870s, the Republicans lost that seat to the Democrats.
The big lesson for the Democrats is not that Obama’s lost support; his support in VA and NJ was far higher on election day than the sad-sack Democratic candidates. It’s that they run to the right with cruddy candidates at the peril of losing the active support and interest of their base and of voters who are tired of the same old stuff. A large majority of voters in both states clearly said in exit polls that their vote had nothing to do with national politics, period, and far more that the other guy was a bigger stinker. |
jrittenhouse
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2:42p |
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