Ski gloves, ski hat, thermal underwear, turtleneck, fleece, rain/snow gear. Yes, I am ready for another opening day at Yankee Stadium.
It is not even April. A big snowstorm is predicted for tomorrow not too far up the road in the Berkshires. Yet, my thoughts today turn away from everything winter related, as I picture green grass, warm sunlight, and days of summer. "Play ball" is not just a cry for the game to begin, but a triggering mechanism for a flood of memories and emotions.Yankee baseball has been an integral part of my existence since the first day that I stuck a glove on my hand.
Over the last 50 years, life has drawn my attention in many directions. People, places and things one day are determined by me to be the most important aspect of being, and the next deemed irrelevant. But not the Yankees. From the days of the Mick, Yogi, Whitey, through the down times of the late 60's and early 70's, to the reincarnation with Steinbrenner and everything, good and bad, that he brought with him, from Catfish, Reggie, Winfield, and Donnie baseball, to the era of Derek, Bernie, Mariano, Andy and Jorge, to the arrival of Roger and A-Rod, through the steroid era and to the present day when CC will take the mound, I have been unwavering in my dedication to everything pinstripe.
While the world rages on, and I seem to catch but fleeting glimpses, this team of 25 men has drawn my undivided attention. And so, no matter the weather forecast this morning, despite the fact that I may well be wet and uncomfortable for most of the afternoon, like the postman, neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow can keep me from my appointed rounds. And when that first pitch is thrown, and I begin my soliloquy for the next 162 games on everything Yankee, I will be in a spot that is warm, protected and comfortable. Well, at least I will be if my hand warmers are working well, and the wind is not blowing too hard in my face.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Blind Eye
It is a stark and brutal reminder of our failures to act as guardians for those who need our help. " Where the Bailout Went Wrong" is Mr. Barofsky's lament that he was helpless to stop the misuse of the TARP funds that left banks bigger and wealthier than ever while the Home Affordable Modification Program lay in shambles. While the goliaths of industry feasted, david had his home foreclosed.
So too, "Why We're Fasting" is Mr. Bittman's plea for a moral structure in our economic dealings. We constantly read of the enormous disparities that leave a few economic giants both with enormous wealth and the capability of shielding that wealth from the clutches of the tax man, while millions are left figuratively and, in many cases, literally starving. And so Mr. Bittman, and others like him, fast in symbolic solidarity with those that are without.
And in the face of all of this inequality, the government continues down the wrong path. "The High Price of Rigidity" speaks of how we have allowed the concept of debt reduction to take hold, and permit the decimation, step by step and inch by inch, of programs that are the lifeline for those in need. We have been hijacked by the ludicrous concept that this nation can only right itself by taking from the least among us. Mr. Barofsky and Mr. Bittman both see the folly and the tragedy in this. It is inconceivable that Congress does not notice. Yet it turns a blind eye, and continues on the wrong path. Shame on those who see but do not look, or worse, do not care.
So too, "Why We're Fasting" is Mr. Bittman's plea for a moral structure in our economic dealings. We constantly read of the enormous disparities that leave a few economic giants both with enormous wealth and the capability of shielding that wealth from the clutches of the tax man, while millions are left figuratively and, in many cases, literally starving. And so Mr. Bittman, and others like him, fast in symbolic solidarity with those that are without.
And in the face of all of this inequality, the government continues down the wrong path. "The High Price of Rigidity" speaks of how we have allowed the concept of debt reduction to take hold, and permit the decimation, step by step and inch by inch, of programs that are the lifeline for those in need. We have been hijacked by the ludicrous concept that this nation can only right itself by taking from the least among us. Mr. Barofsky and Mr. Bittman both see the folly and the tragedy in this. It is inconceivable that Congress does not notice. Yet it turns a blind eye, and continues on the wrong path. Shame on those who see but do not look, or worse, do not care.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The "I" Word
On December 11, 2009 Tiger Woods announced that he would be taking an indefinite leave from the PGA tour. Who knew that indefinite might last forever?
The imposter presenting himself as Tiger failed to win in 12 tournaments last year. Only twice in 2010 did he finish in the top 10. This year, 4 tournaments have only produced more of the same. On courses that in the past have been home to many victories, the numbers have been startling mediocre: tied for 24th, 44th, 20th and 10th. There was also a first round loss in the match play championship.
Of all the slings and arrows thrown at Woods since revelations of his serial infidelity first surfaced, a word that could cut him almost as deep as any other may be creeping into our lexicon: irrelevant.
The Masters, the first major of the year, will be upon us the second week of April. Prior to 2009, we might have been planning this event as a coronation of a new king. By 2008, Woods had garnered 14 victories in the majors and it seemed like the question was not if but when he would be surpassing the 18 wins of Nicklaus in the 4 most prestigious events on tour. But now it seems that Woods might be stuck on 14 forever.
Woods this week spoke of being very happy with his game on Sunday, when he shot 72 and finished far from victory. Is this the same man who used to win convincingly and announce his slight dissatisfaction for not bringing his A game? When do we stop waiting for Tiger to resurrect his game, and start coming to the realization that this might never happen?
If Tiger wants the "I" word to disappear, I would suggest that he choose the Masters as the forum where he decides to return to the PGA tour. Otherwise, we may soon start referring to him as the golfer formerly known as Tiger. "Now stepping up to the first tee, Eldrick Woods". It doesn't have the same panache.
The imposter presenting himself as Tiger failed to win in 12 tournaments last year. Only twice in 2010 did he finish in the top 10. This year, 4 tournaments have only produced more of the same. On courses that in the past have been home to many victories, the numbers have been startling mediocre: tied for 24th, 44th, 20th and 10th. There was also a first round loss in the match play championship.
Of all the slings and arrows thrown at Woods since revelations of his serial infidelity first surfaced, a word that could cut him almost as deep as any other may be creeping into our lexicon: irrelevant.
The Masters, the first major of the year, will be upon us the second week of April. Prior to 2009, we might have been planning this event as a coronation of a new king. By 2008, Woods had garnered 14 victories in the majors and it seemed like the question was not if but when he would be surpassing the 18 wins of Nicklaus in the 4 most prestigious events on tour. But now it seems that Woods might be stuck on 14 forever.
Woods this week spoke of being very happy with his game on Sunday, when he shot 72 and finished far from victory. Is this the same man who used to win convincingly and announce his slight dissatisfaction for not bringing his A game? When do we stop waiting for Tiger to resurrect his game, and start coming to the realization that this might never happen?
If Tiger wants the "I" word to disappear, I would suggest that he choose the Masters as the forum where he decides to return to the PGA tour. Otherwise, we may soon start referring to him as the golfer formerly known as Tiger. "Now stepping up to the first tee, Eldrick Woods". It doesn't have the same panache.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Let the Game Begin
Gail Collin's "What's in a Nickname" runs through a laundry list of those who are exploring the possibility of maybe declaring at some time other than now that they are really strongly considering the thought, if not the actual intent, of throwing their hat, if they own one, into the ring of fire to potentially be the 2012 Republican nominee for President of the richest 1% of America to whom they pledge allegiance.
And so it begins. For the next 20 months we will be subject to an endless stream of political commentary, most of which will make all of us less smart, less well informed, and less willing to listen. We will get the fringe players who strut and fret their hour upon the stage, like Trump, Palin, Bachmann, Paul (senior and junior). Hopefully their sound and fury signifying nothing will be here and gone before the warmth of this summer is upon us. If we are in luck, we may have already witnessed the disappearing act of Huckabee, as the dollars he continues to earn as a result of his last failed attempt at this game, prove to be our salvation.
Will we see Daniels (another non-starter on the list of Ms. Collins) emerge as a contender? Is Gingrich 2, who clearly should be a spokesman for either a waffle, pretzel or hula hoops company after his recent running debacle on Libya, really a viable alternative? Can Romney emerge as the most rational of Republicans and somehow distance himself from his own policies on health care? Does Barbour carry excess baggage? And does Pawlenty carry enough weight?
We will have an excruciatingly long time to find out these answers. And if history has taught us anything, it is that the issues front and center today may well be of little note or consequence come November, 2012. When Shakespeare said that " Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day to the last syllable of recorded time, and all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death" , I wonder if he had the interminable process of political considerations, nominations and elections in mind.
And so it begins. For the next 20 months we will be subject to an endless stream of political commentary, most of which will make all of us less smart, less well informed, and less willing to listen. We will get the fringe players who strut and fret their hour upon the stage, like Trump, Palin, Bachmann, Paul (senior and junior). Hopefully their sound and fury signifying nothing will be here and gone before the warmth of this summer is upon us. If we are in luck, we may have already witnessed the disappearing act of Huckabee, as the dollars he continues to earn as a result of his last failed attempt at this game, prove to be our salvation.
Will we see Daniels (another non-starter on the list of Ms. Collins) emerge as a contender? Is Gingrich 2, who clearly should be a spokesman for either a waffle, pretzel or hula hoops company after his recent running debacle on Libya, really a viable alternative? Can Romney emerge as the most rational of Republicans and somehow distance himself from his own policies on health care? Does Barbour carry excess baggage? And does Pawlenty carry enough weight?
We will have an excruciatingly long time to find out these answers. And if history has taught us anything, it is that the issues front and center today may well be of little note or consequence come November, 2012. When Shakespeare said that " Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day to the last syllable of recorded time, and all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death" , I wonder if he had the interminable process of political considerations, nominations and elections in mind.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Doing the Right Thing
AN EDITED VERSION OF THIS POST APPEARS IN THE LETTERS SECTION OF THE NEW YORK TIMES ON MARCH 22, 2011
We comprehend that the undertaking in Libya is indeed fraught with peril on many levels. The Arab nations that join the alliance are uncomfortable partners; we are involved in yet one more muddled situation in a part of the world that views us with much suspicion and much contempt; we are uncertain in our ultimate aims and we are unclear whether those aims can be reached; we don't know, even if successful, what form new leadership will take; protecting our own national security is not the issue here; we are militarily engaged in other countries that require our attention, our resources and drain us economically; and there are other countries in this region who, like the Libyan rebels may soon be looking to us for more than moral support. These are all legitimate reasons to question our sanity in what we have now undertaken.
Yet, despite all of this, if we stand by idly, watching as the seeds of democracy are crushed, and a people are slaughtered systematically by one of their own, what are we? When we have the opportunity and the capacity to act as guardians for a people who cannot protect themselves, and face imminent annihilation, isn't that the moment that all other concerns must be cast aside? If we can do what's morally right, is there any way that we cannot?
Mr. Douthat would suggest that this undertaking, based on moral underpinnings, is at best naive. But I would much rather be in this fight than in the ones former President Bush began during his tenure in office. President Obama, in an impossibly tight box, is calling on us, to use the words of Spike Lee, to "do the right thing". Just because it is not comfortable, and we are not certain where it may lead, does not mean it is not right.
We comprehend that the undertaking in Libya is indeed fraught with peril on many levels. The Arab nations that join the alliance are uncomfortable partners; we are involved in yet one more muddled situation in a part of the world that views us with much suspicion and much contempt; we are uncertain in our ultimate aims and we are unclear whether those aims can be reached; we don't know, even if successful, what form new leadership will take; protecting our own national security is not the issue here; we are militarily engaged in other countries that require our attention, our resources and drain us economically; and there are other countries in this region who, like the Libyan rebels may soon be looking to us for more than moral support. These are all legitimate reasons to question our sanity in what we have now undertaken.
Yet, despite all of this, if we stand by idly, watching as the seeds of democracy are crushed, and a people are slaughtered systematically by one of their own, what are we? When we have the opportunity and the capacity to act as guardians for a people who cannot protect themselves, and face imminent annihilation, isn't that the moment that all other concerns must be cast aside? If we can do what's morally right, is there any way that we cannot?
Mr. Douthat would suggest that this undertaking, based on moral underpinnings, is at best naive. But I would much rather be in this fight than in the ones former President Bush began during his tenure in office. President Obama, in an impossibly tight box, is calling on us, to use the words of Spike Lee, to "do the right thing". Just because it is not comfortable, and we are not certain where it may lead, does not mean it is not right.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Uncomfortable Companions
This has been a hard week. Guilt, fear and sorrow are not comfortable companions.
Tales of my mom's tough times at night have been escalating. Her confusion, agitation and inability to sleep, to rest have led to very distressing discussions with my sister, and in my own household. How much longer can we expect those handling my mom's care to hold on? What can we do to slow down the demons?
I still see so much to be thankful for in my time with my mom. I know that much of her day, and almost all of her night is filled with struggle, but when we are together, I can get smiles and laughter. I like to think that what I say, and what I do, can somehow be enough to stop the onslaught. I know it isn't so, but if I didn't believe, then what?
In our house, and with my sister, we have now very reluctantly begun to broach the subject of alternative residences for my mom. It makes me so sad. From the days, a half century ago, when my mom's Aunt Minny was moved into a nursing home, my mom began her mantra. "Don't put me in Weissman's". I knew that she meant it. Even mentioning the possibility now, I feel am I disobeying her first commandment.
Earlier this week, we received a worried call from her caretaker. We all rushed over to my mom's apartment in the middle of the day, and quickly called for an ambulance. It turned out that a medication she had begun the night before to calm her, appeared to have been the culprit. Fortunately, she recovered sufficiently to avoid hospitalization. But I wonder what we are doing and are we doing the best we can? There must be better answers, but I just don't know them. And for all of us, there is that guilt in not knowing, and the uncertainty in doing too little or too much.
I don't want to lose my mom to drugs that may remove some of the agitation and the hallucinations but leave her vacant. I don't want to lose my mom to a facility because we haven't been aggressive enough in trying to remove some of the agitation and the hallucinations. How can we make her tranquil without tranquillizing away her spirit? And in the middle of it all, living through each and every moment, I feel such sorrow for my mom.
My sister, with untold amounts of discomfort, boarded a plane Thursday morning. Much of her time away has been spent on the phone with Joanne, myself, various doctors, my mom's caretaker and of course, my mom. Physical distance notwithstanding, my sister remains firmly planted right here. To do otherwise, would in her mind be an enormous disservice to my mom. There is no escaping our responsibility. There is no escaping our concern. There is no escaping reality.
I will wait until 11AM to call my mom this morning. I will make plans for lunch, and go about the business of life with her. I will pretend that everything is ok, and hope that she is convinced. Then I will call my sister and report. If all has gone well, maybe my sister can rest easier for a moment. There are tough days, and difficult decisions that lay in front of us. Spring and rebirth are just around the corner. But not where it matters the most.
Tales of my mom's tough times at night have been escalating. Her confusion, agitation and inability to sleep, to rest have led to very distressing discussions with my sister, and in my own household. How much longer can we expect those handling my mom's care to hold on? What can we do to slow down the demons?
I still see so much to be thankful for in my time with my mom. I know that much of her day, and almost all of her night is filled with struggle, but when we are together, I can get smiles and laughter. I like to think that what I say, and what I do, can somehow be enough to stop the onslaught. I know it isn't so, but if I didn't believe, then what?
In our house, and with my sister, we have now very reluctantly begun to broach the subject of alternative residences for my mom. It makes me so sad. From the days, a half century ago, when my mom's Aunt Minny was moved into a nursing home, my mom began her mantra. "Don't put me in Weissman's". I knew that she meant it. Even mentioning the possibility now, I feel am I disobeying her first commandment.
Earlier this week, we received a worried call from her caretaker. We all rushed over to my mom's apartment in the middle of the day, and quickly called for an ambulance. It turned out that a medication she had begun the night before to calm her, appeared to have been the culprit. Fortunately, she recovered sufficiently to avoid hospitalization. But I wonder what we are doing and are we doing the best we can? There must be better answers, but I just don't know them. And for all of us, there is that guilt in not knowing, and the uncertainty in doing too little or too much.
I don't want to lose my mom to drugs that may remove some of the agitation and the hallucinations but leave her vacant. I don't want to lose my mom to a facility because we haven't been aggressive enough in trying to remove some of the agitation and the hallucinations. How can we make her tranquil without tranquillizing away her spirit? And in the middle of it all, living through each and every moment, I feel such sorrow for my mom.
My sister, with untold amounts of discomfort, boarded a plane Thursday morning. Much of her time away has been spent on the phone with Joanne, myself, various doctors, my mom's caretaker and of course, my mom. Physical distance notwithstanding, my sister remains firmly planted right here. To do otherwise, would in her mind be an enormous disservice to my mom. There is no escaping our responsibility. There is no escaping our concern. There is no escaping reality.
I will wait until 11AM to call my mom this morning. I will make plans for lunch, and go about the business of life with her. I will pretend that everything is ok, and hope that she is convinced. Then I will call my sister and report. If all has gone well, maybe my sister can rest easier for a moment. There are tough days, and difficult decisions that lay in front of us. Spring and rebirth are just around the corner. But not where it matters the most.
Friday, March 18, 2011
MILLION$
Paul Krugman asks a question about America's "Forgotten Millions". The answer is that these people are not the millions that matter. The currency that has meaning is not measured in the quality of human lives but in the sheer quantity of human greed. The millions that catch the attention of those in power are not black or white but green.
There is conversation of reducing deficits now in an effort to protect our children and grandchildren in the future. These are our children and grandchildren who suffer each and every day because of a government that fails in its fundamental obligation to protect those in its midst. They are without voice because they are simply without.
The Democrats are complicit in this charade. While the Republican machine continues to send out its propaganda about deficit, deficit, deficit, the response from those that know better is muted and ineffective. To watch the government bleed money from necessary programs in increments every few weeks, and wait for the other shoe to drop in the near future, does a great disservice to all those who have been seemingly tossed aside.Those in power have long ago forgotten, or merely given up, on the concept of economic stimulation. Mr. Krugman asks why. I ask when. When do we say that our economy has punished the many for the benefit of the few for long enough? When do we say that it is by taking from the pockets of the wealthy, not the poor, on which this economy must base its recovery? When?
There is conversation of reducing deficits now in an effort to protect our children and grandchildren in the future. These are our children and grandchildren who suffer each and every day because of a government that fails in its fundamental obligation to protect those in its midst. They are without voice because they are simply without.
The Democrats are complicit in this charade. While the Republican machine continues to send out its propaganda about deficit, deficit, deficit, the response from those that know better is muted and ineffective. To watch the government bleed money from necessary programs in increments every few weeks, and wait for the other shoe to drop in the near future, does a great disservice to all those who have been seemingly tossed aside.Those in power have long ago forgotten, or merely given up, on the concept of economic stimulation. Mr. Krugman asks why. I ask when. When do we say that our economy has punished the many for the benefit of the few for long enough? When do we say that it is by taking from the pockets of the wealthy, not the poor, on which this economy must base its recovery? When?
Thursday, March 17, 2011
An Oasis
Stop whatever you are doing. Do not pass go or collect $200. This is important.
Last night I found a small oasis. It is called "The Book of Mormon"
I dare not critique the show or its message. I will let each one who has the absolute good fortune to watch this "World" unfold come to his or her own revelations. It was, quite simply, the best. Not just the best show, but the best thing ahead of what used to be your former best thing
Hyperbole you say. You be the judge. If you attend a performance and don't come out of this with your face hurting from a grin that has permanently attached itself to your face for almost 2 1/2 hours, you haven't been paying attention.
By way of disclaimer, I have no financial interest in this theatrical undertaking, and my only benefit is that it will make each and every one of you happier. This is my gift to you, my few and loyal readers. Enjoy.
Last night I found a small oasis. It is called "The Book of Mormon"
I dare not critique the show or its message. I will let each one who has the absolute good fortune to watch this "World" unfold come to his or her own revelations. It was, quite simply, the best. Not just the best show, but the best thing ahead of what used to be your former best thing
Hyperbole you say. You be the judge. If you attend a performance and don't come out of this with your face hurting from a grin that has permanently attached itself to your face for almost 2 1/2 hours, you haven't been paying attention.
By way of disclaimer, I have no financial interest in this theatrical undertaking, and my only benefit is that it will make each and every one of you happier. This is my gift to you, my few and loyal readers. Enjoy.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Chameleons
David Brooks ("The Ike Phase") does a disservice to the President on both the domestic and foreign fronts. Wisconsin, and its offspring, represent the damage that can be done by the Republicans, when in control of policy. After 2 years of merely saying no as a way of attempting to help govern the country, this party is now showing us what it is capable of. Why do Republican mistakes somehow become the implicit fault of President Obama? Don't make this about him. It is not.
As to foreign intervention, I believe that caution is the most rational, if distasteful course that this President can take. We are all too well aware of the ramifications of leading the charge in Libya. The events of the last decade are lessons that we must learn.
This is a President faced with an overwhelming set of problems. He is not a chameleon, but rather a leader who reflects and then reacts with his head, not his gut (as his predecessor so uniformly did). While Mr. Brooks has a hard time discerning what the President will be next year, the answer is that he will continue to be what he has been from the first day of his presidency.
As to foreign intervention, I believe that caution is the most rational, if distasteful course that this President can take. We are all too well aware of the ramifications of leading the charge in Libya. The events of the last decade are lessons that we must learn.
This is a President faced with an overwhelming set of problems. He is not a chameleon, but rather a leader who reflects and then reacts with his head, not his gut (as his predecessor so uniformly did). While Mr. Brooks has a hard time discerning what the President will be next year, the answer is that he will continue to be what he has been from the first day of his presidency.
In Harm's Way
As the Daiichi Nuclear Power Station shows more and more evidence that it is a complete meltdown waiting to occur, I can only wonder what the 50 workers who, at least as of this morning, are remaining at the plant must be thinking. As those within 30 kilometers of the site are ordered indoors, with windows closed and air conditioning off, these 50 stay put.
While 800 of their fellow employees have been told to get out, those that continue to serve must be filled with a terror of untold magnitude. Are they little more than human sacrifices? What possible function do they have? The forces of nature have combined to overwhelm all human efforts to bring this disaster under control. What can these 50 possibly do?
When calamities of this magnitude occur, the extent of the human tragedy is beyond our comprehension. The lives lost, the emotional suffering for those that remain, the scope of the physical destruction, and the enormity of what lays ahead in the months to come, all seem to combine into an amorphous jumble. In Japan, we wait for body counts to escalate as the tsunami waters recede to reveal the full extent of its devastation.
Each day seems to bring with it more and more horrific news. Rulers brutally turn on their own people, leaving those in opposition bloodied and batter. Now we see the unfolding of a 'natural' calamity of ever growing proportion.
So many people, in so many parts of the globe, lost. And yet the 50 stand guard. Is it time to admit defeat in this battle, and get those who are left at Daiichi out of harm's way?
While 800 of their fellow employees have been told to get out, those that continue to serve must be filled with a terror of untold magnitude. Are they little more than human sacrifices? What possible function do they have? The forces of nature have combined to overwhelm all human efforts to bring this disaster under control. What can these 50 possibly do?
When calamities of this magnitude occur, the extent of the human tragedy is beyond our comprehension. The lives lost, the emotional suffering for those that remain, the scope of the physical destruction, and the enormity of what lays ahead in the months to come, all seem to combine into an amorphous jumble. In Japan, we wait for body counts to escalate as the tsunami waters recede to reveal the full extent of its devastation.
Each day seems to bring with it more and more horrific news. Rulers brutally turn on their own people, leaving those in opposition bloodied and batter. Now we see the unfolding of a 'natural' calamity of ever growing proportion.
So many people, in so many parts of the globe, lost. And yet the 50 stand guard. Is it time to admit defeat in this battle, and get those who are left at Daiichi out of harm's way?
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