Misrepresenting the Facts, Again.

So I mentioned in a previous post that I am briefly staying with my parents and that while I appreciate the room the bombardment of Fox News’ revisionist history is torture. Let me first state that I’m not a Democrat or Republican; I’m an independent and I vote for both sides depending on the issue. Nevertheless, the utterly false refashioning of history by conservatives drives me crazy, not because of my political affiliation, but because of my profession (recalling I am a history professor). Let me share the latest example.

This morning I was subjected to a conveniently incomplete paraphrasing of a quote from Senator Harry Reid (Democrat). The paraphrase stated that Reid said that Republicans were on the wrong side of the health care bill, just like they were on the issue of slavery. Then the conservative issuing the paraphrase went on to say that Reid is an idiot because he does not seem to know that Republicans fought slavery and Democrats supported it.

Let’s look at the actual quote to see if the paraphrasing accurately reflects Reid’s comments:

"Instead of joining us on the right side of history, all Republicans have come up with is this slow down, stop everything, let's start over. You think you've heard these same excuses before, you're right. When this country belatedly recognized the wrongs of slavery, there were those who dug in their heels and said, slow down, it's too early. Let's wait. Things aren't bad enough. When women spoke up for the right to speak up, they wanted to vote, some insisted slow down, there will be a better day to do that. The day isn't quite right. When this body was on the verge of guaranteeing equal civil rights to everyone, regardless of the color of their skin, some senators resorted to the same filibuster threats that we hear today. . . . History is repeating itself before our eyes. There are now those who don't think it is the right time to reform health care. If not now, when, madam president? But the reality for many that feel that way, it will never, never be a good time to reform health care."

In the actual quote Reid says that Republicans want to slow down change, and then he goes into the history lesson, stating that historically people have resisted change on issues like slavery and women’s suffrage. In the history lesson he refers to people who “dug in their heels and said , slow down, its too early.” He does not identify them as Republicans. Then he goes back to the modern day for analysis when he states, “History is repeating itself” because once again senators are resorting to filibuster threats and other means to slow down change, specifically the health care bill.

So what do we learn? Well, the conservative who issued the paraphrasing took some liberties in order to create a straw man he could knock down. Reid never said Republicans opposed all those things, just that there has always been people who opposed change, and he is right. And though Reid did not say they were Republicans, he would have been partially right to do so because those conservative elements resisting change have flip-flopped between parties depending on which would support their policy of resisting change. Who are these people that have been resisting change since the early nineteenth century? Southerners. They once called themselves Democrats (1820s-1940s), then Republicans (1950s-1960s) , then began switching back and forth depending on which party appealed to their attitude of resisting change (largely voted Democrat in the 1970s, Republican in the 1980s, Democrat in the 1990s, and Republican since 2000). Regardless of party affiliation, it is Southerners who have historically resisted change. That is okay—it is an acceptable and reasonable position—but let’s be sure we know who we are talking about. Not Republicans, not Democrats—just Southerners. They have historically resisted change, and are doing so again as members of the Republican party today.

So was Reid correct? Yes, there is a group who historically resist change and they are now resisting change as members of the Republican party. What did conservative media do with his comments? They misrepresented the quote and then challenged the historical accuracy and Reid’s credibility. The funny thing is that in their efforts to challenge his understanding of history they revealed that they do not actually understand history. So what is the moral of the story? Don’t get your history lessons from Political “news” talk shows and web sites. They don’t know history, but are happy to re-write it to defame their opposition and support their own political ideas.

On a side note, less you think I’m really a liberal because I continue to reveal the blunderings of Fox News and conservative media, let me simply explain that I am not subjected to liberal media like MSNBC so I cannot speak to their false assumptions. I am, however, forced to listen to conservative mistakes all day long.

The Never Ending Story

Last week my mother reminded me about a movie I loved when I was a child. Last night, while digging through my parents' old VHS tapes, my sister and I found a bootleg copy of the movie. We could not resist and spent the next two hours reliving an aspect of our youth as we watched the Never Ending Story.
Even thought this film was produced in 1984 it really was ahead of its time in many ways and I think it is particularly appropriate in the recent context of fantasy movies like Lord of the Rings and Chronicles of Narnia. The Never Ending Story tells of a fantasy land Named Fantasia. You may think that name sounds familiar. Remember the American Idol turned R&B pop star named Fantasia? Want to guess when she was born? No need to look, I already did: 1984 (just after the German release but weeks before the American release of this flick).

In the movie the mystical land of Fantasia is disappearing in parallel to the decline of imagination in the real world. A boy reads a book aptly titled The Never Ending Story which chronicles the happenings in Fantasia. The boy gradually learns that his own imagination and participation is necessary to save Fantasia. It is a cute story with a flying luck dragon (see image above), a giant rockbiter, a childlike empress, a warrior hero named Atreyu, and more. Have I sparked your interest? Well here is the 1984 trailer for the film:

Plus, the movie theme song is awesome. Just watch the associated music video released by the artist named Limahl (I'm guessing he is German). Youtube disabled the embed option so you have to click on the link if you want to see it. Try to keep the laughter to a minimum. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MccmHwA-c4U

The best part is that you too can own this movie for less than $10. Isn't the internet wonderful?

26 Days Until Daddy

This morning found us at one of Abby's favorite places--the Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale. Natalie came along with Abby and I and we had so much fun. We began our morning on the train--Abby's favorite. She was obviously very excited to see the train!

While we were on the train we realized we all had the same shoes on so we took a picture.
We were also teaching Abby how to pose!
Mommy and Abby on the train.
Since Abby was misbehaving she spent a little time in the jail at the park (just kidding)!
We also had a picnic where we could sit and watch the train, and then we played on the toys. Abby is so strong!
When we arrived home from the park my computer had some major issues and I want to thank Matt for his patience on the phone as we tried to figure
things out. After quite a few hours of frustration
my computer seems back to normal.

This evening I turned on the TV for a moment while Abby got dressed from her bath and we saw the national championship women's gymnastics competition. Anyone that knows Abby is aware of her inability to hold still very long. When she saw the gymnastics she just sat spellbound on my lap. I've been looking for a place where Abby could take gymnastics when we get to Bakersfield--now I really want to. I asked her, "Do you want to do gymnastics" and she said very enthusiastically, "Yes!"
I would love to watch her do gymnastics!

Landscape Plan

I did the walk through on the new house the other day. There were not too many surprises, but one caught me off guard. Apparently, the Home Owners Association has a policy that requires owners landscape thier backyard within 180 days (six months) of buying the home. So it looks like my Christmas break from teaching will be busy. Additionally, I am required to present a plan to the HOA for any changes I intend to make. So, below is my drawing of what I hope to do (Jen has not yet seen and approved). Keep in mind my picture is upside down, so North is at the bottom and South at the top, East on the left and West on the right (for those like my granny who need to know where the sun will be at all times). Click on the image to enlarge it.

On the right I think we should pour cement to make a good utility entrance from the gate to the backyard. We can then store trash cans there or whatever. Entering the yard from the sliding glass door between the kitchen and family room you step out onto a cobble stone patio that follows most of the perimeter of the home. Directly ahead there is grass, lined by crushed rock so as to make mowing the lawn easier and to bring the whole yard together since the pond is also encircled by crushed rock that should be fine enough to walk on. There is mulch and shrubs between the crushed rock and grass, and on the other side of the crushed rock there is the pond complete with a waterfall that conceals a shed for outdoor toys or whatever else. The bridge and small gazebo adds a little more class to the pond, and on the other side of the pond would be a play area with little rubber pellets or something that is durable to play and fall on. We'll put in some prefabricated play set there. If you are sitting in the family room or working in the kitchen your line of view through the sliding glass door and windows goes directly to the gazebo, pond, and waterfall. On the other side of the yard we'll put in a raised garden, about three feet high to make it easier to maintain. It will be simple and small but nice to have. Below that there is a chunk of land I'm not too sure about. The AC sits there and right now I'm thinking we'll just hide lawn equipment back there underneath a low hanging extending awning to cast some shade/protection for the equipment. I'm not totally sold on that yet and don't know exactly what to do with that part of the yard. I'm soliciting suggestions here (add a comment below).

Matt's 16th B-Day Party

As you may recall, not too long ago I posted two video clips from Jen's high school years. In the spirit of equality I told Jen that I would digitize and post a clip from the only video that exists of me during my high school years. Below is a three minute clip from a surprise party for my 16th birthday (1994). I'm the lanky tall kid with really ugly glasses and poofy hair. In my defense, I should point out, I'm also the guy with lots of girls hanging around (and the video reminds me of the weird girl who would not leave me alone the whole night--you will see).

Note: When I converted this down to a size that youtube would accept the video and audio got off a little. Fear not, my original is correct.



For anyone twisted enough to want to watch the full ten minutes (perhaps an old high school friend looking for your ten seconds of fame) you can watch the full video on youtube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dTftvpCy5w

27 Days Until Daddy

Another great day for Abby and Mommy! Abby and I enjoy doing what we call "school time" each morning where we learn shapes, colors, numbers, letters, and sing primary songs (we ALWAYS have to sing the "Grandpa" song--it is her very favorite). Today we worked on shapes, a few colors, sang and did a Mickey puzzle--she gets better at it every time.
After learning time we went to a potluck luncheon at the Church and had good food and fun. I was able to practice with my good friend Carly since we are doing an oboe/piano duet on Sunday. I absolutely love to play with Carly. Abby ran and ran with her friends. This evening we enjoyed time with our good friends Carric and Jenny. They invited us over for dinner and we had so much fun. Here is Abby with Carric and Jenny.

Abby loves to wash dishes and so she washed their dishes
before we even had dinner!

This shows Abby eating dinner which was very yummy.

Abby helped wash dishes after dinner and ended up convincing Carric to wash her hair in the sink. What a funny girl!
Then Carric braided her hair!
We really appreciate our friends and how much they love Abby. Thanks Carric and Jenny for a wonderful evening!
We hope you had a great day Daddy!

Fox News Captivity

So for the next couple days I am staying with my parents, who have graciously opened their home to me. I appreciate it. However, there is one thing about staying back home with the parents that is difficult for me. Every day the television is set to Fox News for hours and hours. It is difficult to listen to any single network for hours on end, day after day, but the fact that it is a network that so utterly misrepresents facts to push an ideological slant on to everything they broadcast makes it even more troubling. It pains me to listen to the falsification of facts for the purposes of pushing an agenda. It breaks my heart to think that thousands of Americans think they are getting accurate information there.

Today I listened to fifteen minutes of a discussion that offers a great example. I think one voice was Glenn Beck, but I was not watching so I don’t know for sure. Each of the “news” pundits explained that less government creates a better America and used several examples, but primarily the 1920s, to prove their argument. They stated that Presidents Harding and Coolidge oversaw a prosperous and quite era by limiting the federal government; conversely, eras dominated by liberal presidents like FDR, LBJ and Obama are characterized by economic instability, social disorder (riots, strikes, terrorism, etc.), and war. They asked, “how can Americans not see this obvious trend?”

Well, Fox “news” pundits, let me answer the question. That pattern exists only in your erroneous revisionist history. Let me explain.

The peace and prosperity brought about in eras of conservative presidents generally led to economic crisis and social upheaval, at which point Americans elected a liberal president to fix it. It is not fair to charge FDR, LBJ, and Obama with the economic crisis or social tensions created under the previous presidents. The hands-off government approach is what led to the Great Depression (remember it began under Republican Pres. Hoover), created strikes, and caused Americans to elect FDR. You cannot blame him for the crisis created by the preceding Republican rule. As per war, well, it is not FDR’s fault that the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Likewise, you cannot accuse Obama of creating an economic mess that predates his presidency. Likewise, you cannot blame Obama for starting the war when in fact it was the preceding Republican president (Bush) who sent the troops into Iraq and Afghanistan. As per the LBJ example, well, economics were pretty good before he was elected and the nation at peace. Still, it was the Cold War, caused by both liberal and conservative predecessors, that created points of conflict, one leading to the Vietnam War. And the Vietnam War is really what broke the bank and caused economic problems. In my opinion, his programs and federal regulation would have been affordable if we were not caught in war at the same time.

So, in the example of the three periods the “news” pundits selected, two of the three trouble-making liberal presidents (FDR & Obama) were elected to solve the problems actually created under the presidency of the preceding Republican president. If there is a pattern to be seen, it is that Republican presidents create under-managed economic growth that generally ends in terrible economic crisis (a natural consequence of deregulating and minimizing government). In response, Americans swing the other way to elect a liberal pro-government president to fix the problems created (or perceived to be created) by the conservative anti-government president.

The load of lies perpetuated by Fox News is not even revisionist history--it is outright deception. These Fox News shows completely fabricate the past to fit their political ideology. Please, don’t get your history lessons from Fox News.

28 Days Until Daddy

Wow I am tired! Natalie and I just finished the finale of "So You Think You Can Dance" and it's late. Both of my favorites were the top 2, so I did not care who won! But I said I'd post everyday while Matt was gone, so here we go!

Abby and I had a great day. We had playgroup at the Tempe Splash Park and she had more fun than ever before! Abby met a boy named Aiden and they had so much fun throwing a ball and following each other around.

She also played ring around the rosies with Alice and Lucy.
There was a big green fire hydrant looking thing and I caught her trying to drink out of it! She also enjoyed letting the water fall down her back!
Abby and I also went to rehearsal of the choir I directed for the last two years, the Arizona Deseret Choir. I wanted to explain to them about Matt's new job in Bakersfield and make sure they knew just how much I loved them and wish that I could stay and conduct them.
This is a picture of where we rehearsed--a dome ceiling--not your typical LDS building!
My good friend and fellow musician, Carric is taking over the group and so I know they will be wonderful. Below Carric was entertaining Abby before rehearsal.
After I said a few words to the group when rehearsal began, Carric had the choir sing a hymn to me, "God Be With You Till We Meet Again." I was doing fine until then and then it hit me that I would not see some of these amazing people again.
Fortunately Abby made me laugh when she walked over to a music stand, picked up a hymn book, opened it, put it on the stand, and began to conduct. That's my girl!
I will really miss this choir. They have been a major support to me and we've made unforgettable music. Tonight made me even more sure I want to start my own choir in Bakersfield. Anyone interested? Before we left rehearsal Abby gave me a big hug and we took a picture.
Your girls love you Daddy!

Girls Night--Still 29 Days Until Daddy

So tonight since Matt left we had a girls night. It gave me something to look forward too. Natalie and Ella came over and brought the best food from Costa Vida. It was "heavenly!" So we ate too much, gave Abby a quick bath and watched "So You Think You Can Dance." It was the finale and we saw some incredible dancing. I love dancing! Tomorrow we find out who wins! Girls nights are so fun and it was Abby's first one! Who better to spend it with?

We need to do this again!

See you soon Daddy--29 Days

Today we had to say good-bye to Daddy (Matt) for a couple weeks. I will explain. . . . Matt is going to Bakersfield to get started with meetings and classes and close on our new home. Right now there is not a home for us to go to! I also have a few things to wrap up in Tempe before I can leave. So Matt will return on September 9th and we will load the truck on the 10th--we will need help by the way! Then we drive to Bakersfield on the 11th. Since Matt will miss us terribly we are going to do a "Countdown to Daddy" where I post something each day so that Matt can see us! We will begin the countdown at 29 days and watch it go steadily down!

Before we get to today's pictures here are 2 from last night. Grandma and Grandpa took us out to eat at Wally's, one of their favorite places in Arizona. Abby had a great time with her macaroni and cheese. I think she might have eaten one tater tot!

The rest of the pictures were taken right before Matt left. Fortunately Abby does not understand because she absolutely adores her Daddy and would be sad. But Abby and I are going to have grand adventures. Our list of fun things to do is so long I don't think we can get to them in 29 days!

Natalie says good-bye to Matt. Natalie gave Matt the coolest going away pack complete with a poem and food to eat!
Abby says good-bye to Grandma and Grandpa (the red cheek is a spider bite--I want to hurt the spider that bit my cute little Abby).
Abby says good-bye to Daddy with one last good tickle!
Abby and Mommy say "See you soon Daddy."
Hang on tight--Abby is driving everyone to California!
We love you Mattie/Daddy and we can't wait until you return to us!

First time at the movies

Matt's parents are visiting us for a few days and then Matt will leave with them on Wednesday--wow, that is tomorrow. I can't believe he leaves tomorrow. We decided that it would be fun to take Abby to her first ever movie theater. She watched both "Toy Story" movies while we packed up a few weeks ago and now frequently says, "Toys, watch Toys." So we took her to "Toy Story 3." She did very well in the theater and really enjoyed the movie. Matt said when she came into the theater she gasped, pointed to the large screen and excitedly said, "movie." She sat on Grandpa's lap for a good share of the movie, then she paced a bit!

After the movie Grandpa treated us all to Golden Corral and Abby's favorite part was the self serve ice cream which she got to eat after eating a good portion of her dinner!

This morning Abby went swimming with Grandma and Grandpa. This was taken as they were leaving to go and swim.
On Sunday I curled Abby's hair before I left to direct the Ward Choir and took a few pictures. Too bad her hair did not really look like this by the time she made it to Church. Oh well!
After Church we also took a few pictures with our good friend Natalie since it was Matt's last Sunday in Tempe.