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This blog is the work of an educated civilian, not of an expert in the fields discussed.

Monday, September 20, 2004

Laura Flanders etc.



"During the Clinton impeachment imbroglio, I suggested Americans needed to think about constitutionally resignable offensive. European politicians who screw up resign. Americans might benefit by following their example."

-- Mark Graber

Sports: Pretty good sports day on Sunday. The Yanks humiliated Pedro, eventually winning 11-1. Again, even those who hate the Yanks really should have trouble liking the Red Sox, especially this guy. The Mets got swept, but Todd Zeile got his 2000th hit, and Aaron Heilman pitched great (lost 1-0). The Giants managed to hang on 20-14, finding it hard to lose with +6 on turnovers. And, the Jets won, though they too allowed it to remain close until late. My Chicago connections should also be glad that Chicago had a big upset in Green Bay.

Laura Flanders is my favorite host on Air America, given her English accent alone puts her ahead of the curve. She is as strong of a believer in progressive causes and anti-Bush as the rest of them, but manages to do so in a less strident way.* Flanders also often provides thoughtful discussions on politics, the news, and the arts (this week she had two performers from the play Guantánamo). Finally, besides being a long time activist, she is also an experienced radio broadcaster, so she knows how to sustain a lively show. Archives of her show can be found here.

Part of her charm probably grows out of her progressive activist background -- Flanders is often more concerned with the issues per se than just being anti-Bush (also, her book Bushwomen suggests the depth of her anti-Bush coverage) or pro-Kerry (she edited The W Effect: Bush's War On Women, which isn't just critical of Bush, but has deeper concerns).

I don't know if she's registered, but Flanders is more likely to be a Green than a Democrat. I bet she is a fan of Naomi Klein, the globalization activist that was cited a few times yesterday, especially on the value of protest. Both can be a bit much to take after awhile (standard line), but I consistently find something of interest while listening to the The Laura Flanders Show.

Odds and Ends: Isn't heavy rain wonderfully refreshing? Children under ten who are too concerned about clothes, especially boys, really have to get their priorities in order. Watch out for snerts on message boards -- it's often a lot easier to be lazyishly sarcastic than intelligently polite. And, naps are wonderfully refreshing, especially since you often take them because of a big enjoyable meal or a late night (or early morning) that was worth the loss of sleep.

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* I don't think any show does a good job providing a multifaceted conversation; it is generally various shades of liberal. Some on Air America are Deaniacs, so they have that perspective on their side. Some are just too kneejerk anti-Bush or lay it on too thick, while the morning shows have about the right mixture of humor and liberal sensibilities.

Al Franken is a tad too kneejerk pro-Kerry, including angrily disagreeing with anyone who dislikes his vote to give Bush authorization to go to Iraq. Franken wrote a book on how Bush and company are liars that cannot be trusted. There apparently was an exception: when Bush promised to use the authorization wisely, Kerry was correct (even knowing what he knows now) to trust him. That's just plain sad as is Franken's (his co-host is rarely heard) belief there is just nothing really wrong with Kerry's campaign. Just not realistic, Al.