Tuscon and What Could be Gained or Lost

On January 8th an ugly attack took place in Tuscon Arizona. The attack has been interpreted to be not only against Rep. Giffords, the intended target, or those unlucky enough to be near her, but also against the heritage of diverse political viewpoints that America has always prided itself on fostering. Within hours of the event a very clear narrative had begun to be echoed throughout the media. That is, the shooting was a result of a public discourse so filled with “vitriol” and ever-increasing tensions that it was the only natural conclusion.

Almost as incredible as Rep. Giffords’ own continuing survival was the speed with which commentators and coworkers alike confessed their own lack of surprise at what occurred. I got the bizarre sense that there was almost a collective relief that it did happen, not out of any lack of compassion for the victims or pleasure from the tragedy, but so that they could finally exhale. It’s the kind of relief an alcoholic being forced into rehab might feel. Part of the psyche is grateful that the downward spiral can’t continue any further, the other fears, perhaps knows, it is only a temporary reprieve. There is maybe 28 days of sanity. Enough time to remember  there really is something to lose.

That is where the country sits right now. The hate-speech has been reined in. Everyone feels genuinely upset about what happened. People of all faiths and political persuasions keep Giffords in their prayers as they simultaneously rally around their disgust of Loughlin. Yet even as the dust settles I get the sense the whole communion is incredibly fragile.

Pundits began to target right-wing commentators almost immediately, as the greatest source of the aforementioned vitriol. Those figures defended themselves with the same gusto they attack any other subject. The victims are still in intensive care or worse, and already our political system is begging to have just one more drink. How do you function and have genuine disagreement and conversation without anger? Increasingly this is an ability lost to Americans, and it serves only to hurt us.

The civil free-fall we have been caught in seems to have made contact with something, hopefully ground, and we can begin to pick ourselves up. Unfortunately we are unable to even have a discussion about the circumstances that may have lead to this. All of a sudden Sarah Palin’s famed map of target mid-term districts are “surveyor symbols” and Rush Limbaugh is spouting that the left will use this as an excuse to control the airwaves, coerce the free-press, and infringe on your first amendment rights. Some of these responses are ridiculous, but is it unreasonable for Republicans to feel threatened by the mass outpouring of blame directed towards the right? The biggest mistake we could make now would be to frame this as another Right vs Left debate. We need personal responsibility more than ever. And personal responsibility begins with ourselves.

The figures we have elected, by ballot or viewership, to represent us in the public arena are incapable of saving us from the unsustainable and dangerous landscape we have allowed to be sculpted. They are too invested in the current system. That isn’t to say things can’t improve. Only that we should stop going to the bartender for advice on our drinking problem.

Stop listening to the talking heads demonize the opposition. Turn it off. Stop letting yourself feel angry at a political party for having ideas different than your own. Don’t fall prey to believing individual politicians matter, or even have any real control over events. They are only human beings. Don’t forget that, while there are a variety of issues at stake in politics, none of them are doomsday. The biggest effect you are likely to see from an act of congress is a 4% swing in your income that appears or disappears (The last congress recently voted to keep the tax rates the same and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called it “landmark legislation”). It’s nice to have a say in what happens to that money, but not at any price.

In the end, I hope the events of January 8th have served as a wake up call to many people. We can collectively take the energy from that awakening and use it to build momentum towards figuring out whats best for our country, if not in a bi-partisan way, then at least a civil one. This isn’t something that will happen easily, but it starts with what we tolerate as acceptable, and that’s something each of us can change.

Letters of Great Rote (CL Jobs Edition)

Live-in care for 103 yr-old lady (Naugatuck)
Date: 2009-11-25, 7:08AM EST
Reply to: job-dz6rw-1481594170@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

Looking for long-term, live-in help for mom. Coming home soon from a short stay in a nursing home where she “re-charged her batteries,” she is not bed-ridden (gently ambulatory) but not as sharp as she used to be. Care level is fairly broad/inclusive. Send brief resume with any inquiry. I suggest that you list specific requirements you might have,such as pay or personal time, although these and other topics would be covered during an initial interview.

• Location: Naugatuck
• Compensation: negotiable
• Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
• Please, no phone calls about this job!
• Please do not contact job

To Whom It May Concern:
I was elated to see this position posted on Craigslist. I believe that you will find me to be an ideal candidate, as I am very patient and pay great attention to detail. I understand all too well the need for the elderly to occasionally “re-charge their batteries.” We sent our youngest son to boarding school for much the same reason. There really is no easier way to show them how good they have it. When Daniel came back he was much more appreciative of us and responded very well to orders barked at him, I presume nursing homes are effective at this as well!

Letters of Great Rote (CL Love Edition)

seeking playmate for fun and games – 21 (New Haven)

Or at least somebody who can understand my child comes first. And that you won’t be meeting said child unless a serious relationship develops. i am a divorced, independent career woman who loves to hang out in bowling alleys and pool halls. Those are my favorite ‘sports’. I watch them on TV, too! I am majorly passionate, and comfortable with my sexuality, so whatever happens, happens. Just know that there won’t be a party without any balloons Send a pic, I’ll return the favor.745

745,
When I at first read your headline, I knew that you were a demanding woman. The act of taking part in both fun & games seemed like a high benchmark for any but the most virile men. Fortunately for both of us, you softened your standards immediately. I must stress that I do not approve of your child coming first in all circumstances, there are times when I hunger deeply (you understand the passions of which I speak), and I will not abide your child standing in the way.

Letters of Great Rote (CL Love Edition)

Yale grad students are much more interesting… – 20 (Yale)
Date: 2009-11-22, 7:42PM EST
Reply To This Post

than undergrads. There’s something about you being just slightly older that makes me melt… you’ve transition from loving crazy nights out to preferring an evening in with a bottle of chardonnay. Maybe you’re not incredibly stylish, but timelessly classic. You’re a man. You might be tall, probably quiet, serious, studious, maybe a little shy… you might wear glasses. And I like that.
about me: the attractive, fun-loving but mature undergrad who admires you from afar.

About me,
I find your ability to finish sentences that originated in your headline to be incredibly alluring. Please do not begin to melt just yet, for I have many more traits that are just slightly more advanced then your own. If you allow me I will sweep you off your feet by impressing you with my extensive knowledge of wines. The majority of what I say will be read directly off the bottles themselves but you will make excuses for my short comings because of my three piece suit and Brooks Brothers brace-suspenders. However, we will not drink chardonnay, as this gives me heart burn, one of many afflictions you will come to endure as your body begins to wither and fail.

Letters of Great Rote (Political Edition)

Mr. Steele,
I have been interested in tax policy since my early childhood, when I started to pay my annual Candy Tax to my parents after Halloween. It was at this time I came to realize the value of the flat tax. Both my sister and I were forced to hand over a portion of our hard-earned chocolate treats, or face punitive measures, as well as an alarming rate of penalties (one year I forfeited all of my Reece’s Peanut Butter cups after a failed attempt to hide the bulk of my spoils within Micromachine Isle).

Letters of Great Rote (Political Edition)

Mr. Reid,

Thank you for taking the time out of your hectic schedule to meet with me last week. I felt that our discussions were very productive at laying some groundwork. Clearly there are some fine details to, much like the mighty Hephaestus, hammer out, but I have no doubt that we will succeed as long as we both put our best feet forward. On that note, I must confess that I was shocked when you abruptly left in the midst of our dialogue. Presumably your finely honed danger sense, akin to a legislative Spiderman, alerted you that your presence was required elsewhere, and with all haste. Perhaps Joe Lieberman was negotiating his triumphant defection to the Reds, necessitating you to find him and speak your mystical words of command in order to, once again, reassert your dominance.

Naive Dreams E-Catalog – Part 1

Naïve Dreams Inc. is proud to announce the launch of a new on-line marketplace for children of all ages (but specifically 5-9 year olds)!! This exciting venture aims to teach children valuable skills they will need as adults, all the while keeping it fun! Here at Naïve Dreams Inc, we believe that we have a responsibility to prepare our children for the road ahead. It with this goal at the forefront of our minds, and in concert with our established heritage of excellence and innovation, that we are pleased to announce the first run of toys inspired by real world adult responsibilities.

(1) Little Tykes Voting Booth ($199.99)

During this tumultuous and uncertain time in our nation’s history, political activism has never been a more important, or futile, activity! Today’s youth will eventually be called upon to make important judgment calls about political candidates based solely on sound bites that are no longer than a traditional Japanese haiku.