Liberal Media?

One of the strengths of conservatives is the ability to make themselves and their supporters victims, even when they are in charge. There are numerous ways that this is accomplished. Among these is the ways that gays, blacks, feminists, illegal immigrants, Muslims, liberals and, of course, the media are working to destroy their lives and America itself. This discourse works well because America loves a victim who they can then bitterly rant out against as one of the forces working to undermine their faith, hard work and patriotism. Conservatives rarely focus on the actual source of so many Americans discontent (and diminishing quality of life), their corporate angels. One critique that is used relatively constantly is the charge that the media is liberal and thus constantly working against conservative hegemony. 

I have often written on this topic over the years, but wanted to delve into it against here after the media finally starting paying attention to the Wall Street protests that have now spread across the country. The same can be said of the protests in Wisconsin, the anti-war protests in 2003 (the New York Times actually wrote a story after the first huge DC protest claiming the organizers were upset with the turnout, until those organizers came forward and said they never spoke with that reporter) and the Seattle protests of 1999. So is it true that the media is liberal? I think there was certainly a time when one could make that argument, thinking back to the days of the muckrakers or the time when the Washington Post took down a President. But what of today? Since the 80s, the media has been moving decidedly to the center and even right. Certainly there is a long tradition of arguments against a liberal media bias (Manufacturing Consent being an obvious one), but the charges have become much easier to support in recent years. Beyond the fact that there are now five giant media conglomerates that rule over 90% of what we see, read and hear, is the reality that the media is not comprised of the kind of reporters that once challenged power. The reporters, news chiefs, anchors, editors and pundits are part of the elite now, and thus don't have a real stake in challenging a power system they are a part of.

In fact, the media now fits smugly into that "new managerial class" that scholars starting writing about in the 70s and 80s. At the time, it comprised professors, teachers, government workers, scientists and the like, who were middle class but essentially served the interests of the power elites. That group has grown in power and stature, while it may have actually strunk in size. And the media stands at the forefront today, as the in locus parenti for not only our children but large swaths of the overall population, who are often more interested in who wins American Idol than who their Congressman or even the President is. In fact, it is true that by the late 90s the media was actually to the right of the general public on two key issues: economics and foreign policy; while being to the left of the masses on social and environmental issues (according to a large survey by the Pew Research Institute). This reality actually serves the conservative rhetorical machine perfectly.

The media maintains the perception that they are to the left of center by reporting on stories about social issues and the environment in ways conservatives can attack, while actually supporting wars, the war on terror, tax cuts and the like. In fact, it is really hard to make the argument that the media is liberal at all after 2000, when they offered a completely unsubstantiated argument that the people just wanted a decision in Florida when poll after poll showed the opposite. Lest us forget that three years later, it was the "liberal" New York Times that largely supported the war in Iraq and their own Judith Miller who fooled so many Americans into believing we found Weapons of Mass Destruction. Or consider the specific case of the Saddam Hussein statue being pulled down and how it was covered by CNN in the U.S. versus CNN live. The former just reported the story as symbolic of American victory in Iraq and how much the people their supported our efforts while the latter juxtaposed these images with the actual costs of war -- including children in hospitals with missing limbs, dead bodies and the like. How is this explained? Why would the liberal "CNN" treat Americans differently than the rest of the world? Why were the two best sources for accurate information during the buildup and subsequent period BBC and Al Jazeera? 

The reality is that reality is just an inconvenient truth that can easily be combed over these days. Conservatives are much better at this than liberals and thus the "liberal" media in fact too often supports conservatives in their daily effort to spread anger, fear and victimization to the masses. Liberal media? Only in their grappling with the truth ...

CEO's Suffering

I think this chart speaks for itself:

Race in America - Part Deux

As I discussed in a post last week, I think we should be a little weary of the idea that we have entered a post-Black or post-racism period in America. Two events this week seem to put a focus on the reality that race is still on the tip of too many American's vituperative tongues. In the first incident, we have learned that Rick Perry hunts at a location that was once (and maybe still is) known as "niggerhead." Details are still sketchy, but it appears that the name is still used by many who live near the site: Washington Post. The more we learn about this candidate, the less savory he becomes to all but the most radical, right wing of Americans (by the way, Rush Limbaugh says it's no big deal).

The second incident involves Hank Williams Jr., possibly best known today for his song that begins every Monday Night Football broadcast: Slate. The conservative singer was recently on Fox News where he compared Obama to Hitler and called him the "enemy." The exact quote from Williams, speaking of the golf summit this summer between Obama and House Speaker John Boehner (you just can't make up the names of conservatives: Bush, Dick, Colon, etc.), "one of the biggest political mistakes ever ... It would be like Hitler playing golf with (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu." When it was pointed out to him that he was comparing the President to one of the most hated men in history, Williams replied, "That is true, but I'm telling you like it is." Now the first thing to say here is that we really need to consider who we allow to be spokespeople and pundits in America. The second is that this is the sort of person that is emblematic of what is wrong with America today. The absurdity of comparing Obama to Hitler is not as troubling to me as the notion that so many Republicans now have that democrats are actually "enemies" of the country. 

So is racism dead in America? I think not. Now who is the party that spread it? Again, this seems rather obvious. A final point for today, a  60 minutes/Vanity Fair poll asking people if they knew what the GOP stands for found that only 45% do ("God Opposes Populism" for those who don't know). While silly polls like this that just show how uninformed Americans are a little tired (just like the Leno skits), I think a more interesting poll would be to ask the GOP and its many supporters what they actually do "stand for." But that's just a silly liberal, Hitler-loving enemy speaking in "elitist" tongues ...

What to Do?

The calls are now starting to mount to sack Wenger. The season is all but lost seven games in and our beleaguered manager has already admitted the league title is probably out of reach (hmm, unexpected pun). But what about 4th place? Can they again ascend above Tottenham, even after this disappointing defeat? Can they surpass a resurgent Liverpool, possibly on the cusp of rediscovering the taste of past glory? At the moment, serious doubts on either score seem prudent.

So where does the club go from here? We will now be without Wilshire and Sagna until next year. We will be without Vermaelen for the next couple of matches after the international break (and hopefully when he finally returns, he will find a way to avoid another injury as Van Persie has so far this year (knock on wood)). We are still without Squillaci and Djourou, though I don't take that as terribly bad news. What is a team that can start to win games and what should we look for in the winter transfer window? Some thoughts:

Forwards: Van Persie is first rate and will start until he is either injured or leaves. If things don't improve, I expect the latter to occur. Beyond Van Persie, there is clear weakness in this position. Hopefully Gervinho will grow into the role and perform as he did at Lille last year, but that certainly hasn't happened yet. Chamakh is getting back in form, but he has to put it in the net more. One hopes this starts to happen. We still haven't seen Park yet, so nothing to say there. And finally, Campbell just scored for Orient and is hopefully a great signing for the future. I think we could certainly use another top  striker to bolster the squad. And, as I've argued before, why not put Walcott up there and see what happens. He just isn't as good a winger as some pretend (nor as bad as some decry, to be fair).

Goal: Szczesny and think he will be a great goalie, but he still makes mistakes and needs to avoid falling asleep. With a better defense in front of him, he could start providing us with the unthinkable -- a clean sheet (against anyone besides bottom dweller Bolton). Could use a better backup, but Fabianski isn't bad and we have much deeper needs.

Midfield: Here, obviously, is our big problem. But let's think about a healthy squad for a moment. We have Arteta, who is doing a good, though not great job so far. We have Wilshire, who will hopefully return to form upon returning. We have Song (who just keeps improving in my eyes) and Frimpong to serve the holding position. We have the surprising Coquelin, who really looks like a great player for the future. And we have Oxley-Chamberlain as the winger (or Walcott obviously). On the left, we have Arshavin, who regardless of what Wenger says might be on his way out after this season. He is a major disappointment and I think it's time to cut our losses (and maybe get Hazard for him, if rumors are to be believed). And we have Ramsey, who is occasionally great, but often sub par -- as he was yesterday for much of the game. We obviously need more creativity here to get the ball forward to Van Persie and whomever else is up front. A key signing over the break could be huge to really jump start an offense that looks good, except in the final third (where it counts).

Defense: This is obviously our major problem area and needs to be addressed with great celerity in the winter. One has to admit that Arsene is largely to blame here, with a number of questionable signings over the past few years (instead of established English defenders). Among the worst selections are Djourou, Squillaci and some that have just left. Now let's start on the wings. Sagna might have been our second best, and most consistent defender, but now he's gone for three months. And our only backup is Jenkins? Are you kidding me? This is an example of the problem with Wenger of late. We need a reasonable backup here, and it just doesn't exist. Obviously Gibbs and Santos are reasonable options on the other side, but who will now take the spot for Sanga? We need someone with more experience than Jenkins, made clear both in the Man U debacle and yesterday as Bale teared him apart. Now to centre back where the real trouble begins. Mertesacker appears to be growing into the role, but he has certainly cost us so far, particularly on the first goal yesterday. But I thought he was relatively strong overall and that Sagna might have been more to blame for the Van der Vaart hand-ball assisted effort. But then what? Koscielny is okay and seems better when Vermaelen is in, but we need more power and support back there. Hopefully we can lure Cahill in January, but there are no guarantees. If not, we need someone else and now maybe a left winger to fill in for Sagna and maybe replace him in the future. It will be interesting to see what happens when Vermaelen and Mertesacker line up side by side, but I'm not sure we can count on the former to actually make it through the rest of the season without another injury (if you watch the way he plays, which I love, it really isn't a big surprise that he hurts himself often).

Coach: Is it time to let Wenger go? I don't think it is his fault entirely that we are in this situation, and if a few calls and games go the other way in February and March, we might be talking about a return to glory for Arsenal. But that didn't happen and now the team needs something to change. Is it the coach? It is the most obvious thing that can be done to shake the team up and do something. I would probably wait until January, see what happens with our winter transfers and then decide. But another bad result or two might just mean it's time for a change. 


The reality, as many have argued, is that Arsenal stands on the precipice of what could become a long term decline. I think they can save themselves from this fate if they develop a winning attitude. We can't calculate the effects of the endless list of injuries, or the bad calls that have really hurt us since last February, but the squad has performed much better in the Champions League (as shaky as it's been) then they have in the premiership. Once you lose your confidence in sports, it's hard to recover. Yet the Gunners have to find a way and soon. As the season has unfolded, can we really blame Fabergas or Nasri for wanting to leave? I do think it is telling that top athletes would rather take the easy route then help rebuild their own teams, but if that's the reality of the present then we can either decry the fact or build our team around that sad fact. And if we can't, well it'll be time for me to stand alongside the naysayers and finally say adieu and merci to our French God turned oh so human.

Will the Revolution Be Televised?

A rather quiet social movement is gaining steam across the U.S. Under the rubric "Occupy Wall Street," the loose configuration of groups and individuals started their protests on the infamous street in downtown New York back in July. The number of protesters has been steadily rising and the movement has spread to other cities including Chicago and Seattle: CNN Story. What are the protesters after? It depends who you ask, but among their reasons for taking to the streets:

- To offer a voice to the 99% of people currently being screwed by the 1%
- To challenge corporate greed and its deleterious effects on us all
- To stop mortgage foreclosures
- To confront growing unemployment, inequality & poverty
- To provide healthcare to those who can't afford it
- To acknowledge and address global warming

The 34 organizations and random individuals that are involved are an eclectic bunch that hearken to Seattle in 1999 and the anti-war protests in 2003. It is heartening to see people take to the streets and demand change (who aren't sponsored by corporate tycoons (who may or may not have the same name as an ex-New York mayor, for example)). In a surprising revelation, some protesters have claimed they take their inspiration from the democratic uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East. Hmm, so maybe that talk about us inspiring democratic revolt is actually backwards? 

P.S. Interesting Op Ed from Krugman: NYT

Arsenal Loses, Again!

This might be the straw that broke the Gunners back. The media has been talking about how bad Arsenal is all season and, while they controlled much of the game, they now really do look like a team on the decline. This loss will drop us toward the bottom of the table, means we've already lost to Liverpool, Man U and Tottenham (in addition to Blackburn) and makes it very difficult for us to get anywhere near the top four. A major disappointment to say the least. A few thoughts ...

- We controlled the ball in the midfield well and had some real chances, but as usual they weren't taken. Gervinho should have scored, Walcott had two or three good opportunities and we rarely went wide, where it looked like there were openings. I think Chamberlain is the future on the wing for us and maybe Walcott can be moved to the center, but I am one of those who continues to doubt his decision-making and finishing (particularly in huge games). I think it is also time to say that Gervinho is a disappointment so far this year, though he has scored. He gives the ball up too often and doesn't have the finishing touch at present.
- Two mistakes really cost us huge. One by our goalie (really almost unforgivable) and another by Mertesacker, who looked much better for much of the game, but for the let down against Van der Vaart in the first half. Szczesny really has the potential to be a great goalie, but he needs to do better at times. If he's moving his feet a little, he would have saved the shot.
- The question of creativity in the midfield continues to be huge. Again, we controlled the ball for much of the game, but had a limited number of opportunities and failed to get the ball to Van Persie in dangerous positions. Ramsey looked bad in the first half before scoring the equalizer and looking better in the second in general. Towards the end, the whole team started giving the ball away and it showed the lack of leadership that is costing us huge.
- The back line is a huge problem, as we know, but it is odd to say that Song might be our third best centre back on the team (or maybe second behind Vermaelen).  He has really done a great job in the position in two straight games.
- Coquelin looks to be a talented player and one that could really grow into that defensive midfield position. I like Frimpong, but was really impressed with Coquelin's overall game and his composure.

The reality is that the top four is starting to look very difficult for Arsenal. That means next year we will not play in the Champions League, thus making it harder to get top class players. We need to go on a run right now (even if we do lose to Chelsea and Man City) and be very active in the winter transfer window. I think a Carling Cup or FA Cup are not out of the question and we do look in decent position to move forward out of our group in the Champs League, but really need to find a way to get this team some confidence again. Right now we are like the Cubs ... we find new and exciting ways to lose every time we're on the pitch!

I, Referee

Martin Atkinson has consistently shown himself as one of the worst referees in the Premiership. He is much too quick with the yellow and reds and affects games, which in my mind has always been what officials should do their best not to do. After the numerous fiascos in the 2010 World Cup and some very questionable calls in the Champions League last year (lest we forget the absurd second yellow for Van Persie) together with all the bad calls in the Premiership (with many going against Arsenal, I can't help but mention), isn't it really time to do somethings about the refs who too often influence matches: 


1. Institute some kind of technology to deal with goal line decisions (poor old England and the goal that never was against Germany stands out), 
2. Tell refs to err on the side of caution (not giving cards unless a game is out of hand) -- this was clearly not the case in what was shaping up as a good darby between Everton and Liverpool. Everton was in fact playing very positive football before Rodwell was given a red for a ball he won and where Suarez seemed to overact the aftereffect of. The replay made it clear it probably wasn't even a yellow. Arsenal has had a draw and loss (to Newcastle and Liverpool) that were heavily influenced by reds. 
3. I really think technology should be used on off-sides. Too many bad offsides calls affect games. Arsenal has had several important goals disallowed in the past two campaigns and one could argue that both Liverpool goals were offsides in week 2. 
4. Referees should talk to their assistants before they make huge calls. I saw this recently in a Champions League game and it led to the right decision. Once the red card is out, or the penalty spot pointed to, it's too late to do anything but piss off the team and fans who get screwed. Liverpool won the game 2-0 and maybe would have won anyway, but we will never know. Again these bad calls too often come in the biggest matches and that is exactly what should be avoided. 

P.S. Well, I just watched parts of the Newcastle Wolves match and again the refs had a lot to say about the result. There was what looked like a penalty right before halftime turned into a free kick right outside the box and then a disallowed goal that looked like it should have counted.  
P.P.S. The first goal for Tottenham was close yesterday, but it did look a lot like Van der Vaart used his hand (or upper arm) to control the ball. And when we add this to all the bad calls Arsenal has been getting over the past several seasons, if really does call into question why everyone in the world seems to be against this team (the media, the refs, ex-players, other clubs and even their own former stars). A good analysis showed that Arsenal would have finished second in the league but for all the wrong calls last year: Ideal Table (and another more detailed analysis of some games is here - Bleacher Report). Really if we pinpoint two huge errors, I think it is reasonable to argue the absurd red card against Van Persie and the bad calls in the Newcastle comeback played an equally big role as the Carling Cup loss in leading to our late season collapse and the ultimate dismantling of the team. Not that any of this matters really, but I do think it's time to try to do something about bad refereeing. It really is a problem and decides far too many games.

Arsenal Wins!

It wasn't pretty. It didn't end anxiety about our defense and will to win. It doesn't automatically qualify us for the knock-out stage of the Champions League. But it was an important win -- our third in a row -- and accomplished with all the injuries I discussed yesterday. The 2-1 win saw goals from two summer signings -- 18 year old wunderkind Oxlade-Chamberlain (who looked very impressive in spells) and defender Santos (who looks much better moving forward than playing defense). The defense still looked porous for parts of the game, too many opportunities to put the game out of reach were blown and the result was still in question down to the final moments. Yet unlike Man U and Chelsea, the team didn't wilt in this tie and held off their opponent for an important three points. 

A few thoughts from the game ... Chamberlain looks like he could challenge Walcott for the starting winger spot. That could actually open the door to put Walcott and Van Persie up front together, as many including the former believe is a more natural spot for him. Mertesacker continues to look slow, but was more stable in the back and may just work out as a good leader for the defense (but like most Gooners, I can't wait for Vermaelen to return). Arshavin and Rosicky are past their primes and this should probably be their last season with the squad. Arshavin still shows moments of great creativity, but has a tendency to try to get around defenders by kicking the ball forward and being blocked off. If I can see it, I'm sure most defenders are aware of the tired move by now. Rosicky doesn't have the shot he used to, nor from what I can tell the will to shoot. He had a clear shot on goal in the 2nd half and instead passed the ball. Chamakh appears to have woken up from the stupor he had on the pitch for most of the past 10 months or so, but has to be more forceful in finishing. Yes he finally scored recently, but should have had one or two in this game and could have helped us at least salvage a point at Blackburn a couple of weeks back.

The good news is we have won three straight and go into Tottenham with a chance to get our League season back on track. One hopes we can display the mettle we have shown in the Champions League so far this year in a critical league battle ...

How Good are the Manchesters? And More Injury Woes for Arsenal

It has not been the best of weeks for Manchester United (which is good news for me). First they could only muster a draw with Stoke 1-1 (though on the road) and then a shock 3-3 draw with Basil in the Champions League. This begs the question how good Man U are? I think the answer is very good. They won the league and got to the final of the Champions League last year and are a better squad this year. Even after falling 3-2 behind and looking in real trouble they did the usual Man U shuffle and stole a point at full time. Yet there is clearly a problem at the back and the young team will probably give up a fair number of goals this year. The thing is, they will probably score a lot more. And one can't ignore the fact that Rooney has been out for those two games, and in stellar form at the beginning of this long campaign. So while I hate to admit it, I still think they are the team to beat -- though obviously Man City and Chelsea will probably compete for the crown. While I'm at it, what about that Man City team? One fear was that a team so stacked with talent would lead to player discontent. And it showed up in spades today in the loss to Bayern Munich, that puts their Champions League future in doubt. Carlos Tevez apparently refused to come on in the second half, thus probably ending his career with the club (right after he moved his family there and at least pretended at content). Then Dzeko had a temper tantrum after being taken off for De Jong early in the second half as well (which is a truly bizarre move for a team with such impressive attacking form). So while the Mans will probably vie all year for the title, there is certainly the possibility of some slip ups along the way -- as was the case with Chelsea last year after brilliant early form. 

Can Arsenal take advantage? Well I am a fount of hope when it comes to my favorite club, but I think the year depends on putting together a winning streak starting this weekend against Tottenham and making some moves in the Winter Transfer window. The blown game against Blackburn really burns if you look at the table and realize where they would have been if they had gotten the three points they really should have. But past is not always prologue and we certainly can't change that past. The problems with a needed return to form are threefold:
1. More and more injuries decimating the team. Wilshire is now out until at least January after his ankle injury ultimately called for surgery. Vermaelen is still out as is Diaby and also Djourou (thank god) and Squillaci (maybe even more of a blessing in disguise). But we have just learned that Gervinho, Koscielny and Walcott cannot play either. And Benayoun is unavailable. So count them eight players are already down so early in the campaign. What does this mean for the home Champions League tie tomorrow? Well, Alex Song appears poised to actually play as a center back, meaning Frimpong will start as the holding midfielder. One assumes Sagna on the left and either Gibbs or Santos on the right. Moving forward, I hope Chamberlain gets the start with Van Persie and one assumes Arteta, Ramsey and Rosicky  (or maybe Arshavin). Anyway, hopefully the youngsters can come through and grab us the needed 3 points. 

2. A defense that has been ridiculously porous this year now has to count on Mertesacker as its linchpin, and I'm not really sure he's up for the role. His infamous slowness appears to be a problem and his outlet passes have been average at best. One hopes Song can fill in at the back, or maybe Miquel, but there is certainly cause for concern. Us fans can't count the days fast enough until Vermaelen's return, but it has clearly cost us not getting another centre back for the club this summer. 

3. Taking advantage of opportunities. The last two matches have certainly given Gooners hope, but one can't help but feel we should have scored six against Blackburn and that has been a problem for us since the Carling Cup final last year. Hopefully, Van Persie stays in form and some others start to answer the call when in front of the net with clear opportunities to finish. Santos and Park came with the promise of improving our offensive output. One hopes they answer that call (and in the latter case, are given the chance).

No to NCLB, Kind Of

In the first sign that some semblance of sanity might be returning to the debate on educational policy in America, President Obama today used executive authority to give states more flexibility in meeting the dictates of No Child Left Behind: Crooks & Liars. This is good news for those of us that believe relentless testing and punishment are not the solution to our educational problems. Instead we need systemic reform in funding, teacher training and curriculum and instruction to address the diverse needs of our diverse student population. We need to increase the number of real world examples, critical thinking skills, outlets for creativity, make learning both challenging and engaging for all youth, use technology effectively to heighten interest and engagement and find ways to reward teachers who do a good job without resorting to undermining unions or tying wages to test performance and stop blaming all of our educational problems on said teachers. We need to find ways to expand programs that help educate adults and help them help their children with homework and value education in general. We need to stop listening to those who argue vouchers and charter schools are the solution to our problems. Really we need higher standards and the tools for teachers and students to struggle toward those goals. The one truism that is too often ignored in education is that children tend to perform to the level of expectations. And too often those expectations are too low. Let's give kudos to Obama for finally making a good decision.

Arsenal Wins!!!

Well, it has gotten to the point where a 3-0 win over Bolton at home is big news. And really it is. But for two freak goals and too many missed opportunities last week, this would be our third league win in a row. We can build on the clean sheet and the control of the game. What we still need to do is be more ruthless in front of the goal. Van Persie has become one of the best finishers in football today, but we need others to score. At the top of the list is Walcott, who played an up and down game but should have scored at least one goal. His decision-making and finishing touch continue to trouble me, as a couple results this year could have gone the other way but for his inability to put it in the net.

Now onto the abbreviated report card (I'm going to play myself in a few minutes):

Alex Song: really played well today and is growing into a great holding midfielder. Also has an important third goal as we try to get on the right side of the goal differential again.

Van Persie: we need to do enough this year to keep this top striker who finds ways to score in almost every game.

Arshavin: really looked good and creative in his short time on the pitch. Really think the little Russian might have something to contribute this year.

Gervinho: I'm still a little troubled by his tendency to give the ball away and his finishing touch, but after the goal last week, am just waiting for him to begin to gel completely with the rest of the team.

Ramsey: really growing into the midfield role and not much to complain about.

Arteta: good, strong game. No goals but certainly had some great outlet passes and didn't give the ball away at all.

Mertesacker: starting to look more comfortable, but still has some work to do to be a top defender in the premiership.

Koscielny: looked much better today, though there were some possibilities for Bolton (not necessarily his fault).

A Post-Black World?

One of the most promising and troubling proclivities of postmodern identity exploration is the argument that long-held identity markers have become more porous or completely disentangled. Among the more absurd maneuvers along this trajectory is the "post-Blackness" discourse that emerged in the 90s and came to full fruition with the election of Barack Obama. A new book by MSNBC correspondent, contributing editor to Rolling Stone, and author of three previous books Toure takes on this daunting task.

While I haven't yet read the book, there is an interesting review in the New York Times Sunday book review section: NYT. I do not want to critique the arguments laid out in a book I haven't read, nor to cast my white gaze too acutely on a subject that will always be alien to me. Instead I want to look at the ramifications of the discourse. It is certainly positive to consider the Black artist and scholar freed from the dark shadow of the collective past, pigeon-holed into writing about their experiences and thoughts from a "Black" perspective." It is certainly also true that identity has become more fluid and that the next generation (at least in urban centers) appears to have cast aside many of the prejudices that once dominated the cultural landscape.

What troubles me is the ramifications of eliminating important points of connection that can be used in the struggle for social justice and democracy. Postmodernism too often ends up atomizing the public into minute groups that would find it hard to have the political will or clout to enact any meaningful change. This is made more troubling when we consider that one of the two parties in American politics finds it difficult even to move to the center-left. What happens to the statistical and very real differences that continue to persist along color lines in this new narrative? Do we ignore bell hook's valid point that essentialism can be a powerful political weapon, even if it is ill-conceived? What is really interesting in these debates is what is more important in identity formation -- the beliefs of those forming the identity or the external stereotypes that define the body externally? I think it is important to recognize that the new generation is not saddled by the overt racism that once reigned in America, but the invisible racism that seeps out of every corner still has the power to play a huge role in defining "Blackness" and youth still determining their position in the social pyramid. I hope for the day when race no longer matters; but seriously doubt whether than day is anon ...

Rick Perry: A Real American!

This campaign for the Republican nomination is starting to feel like the limbo (aka, how low can you go)? Ricky Perry is certainly challenging for the title at the moment. See his latest ad: Talking Points Memo. The slick ad includes a series of quick jump cuts from one scene to the next -- first we get the Obama scare tactic together with a record of his failure (with no mention of the Republican Congress that has blocked him at every turn) and then a series of exciting images of New York City and the "real America" reminding us that Perry is a "Real American" who can boldly lead us into the new world. Just as a reminder of how he is going to do this (which isn't included in the ad at all): end social security, elect Senators by fiat, reduce government spending on healthcare, cut corporate and individual taxes, maybe increase federal executions (since he is so fond of them in Texas) and make America a Christian nation again ...

Arsenal Scare

Twenty minutes into a 3rd round Carling Cup tie, Arsenal again found themselves behind due to their defensive porousness (and another Djourou error). Panic must have been rumbling across the Emirates as the thought of a defeat to League Two Shrewsbury became a reality. But defender Gibbs equalized before the half and upstart Oxlade-Chamberlain apparently had a great second half including a 25-yeard cracker at the hour mark before Benayoun sealed the deal with a tap in. Good news for a squad that is short of it at present, and promise for youngsters Chamberlain and Coquelin. While the present is a disaster, the future could be much brighter. Rumours from yesterday also have Hazard making the move to Arsenal next summer in return for offloading the disappointing Arshavin. This could make for a much stronger squad next year, if we pick up another centre-half and defender to add depth. The Carling Cup might again be our best chance at silverware this year, and one hopes we keep up the good form to build on. I really do think it's time to move Djourou down the pecking order though, and get ready to offload him next summer. He did look good early on last year, but has completely lost his confidence and is just costing us too often ... On to Bolton!

Freedom and Empathy

So I have already discussed the Tea Party and their lack of empathy. I just happened to see the clip of the crowd cheering on Ron Paul as he says a sick 30 year old who doesn't have health insurance should die: You Tube and there was also the loud cheering for Perry's record number of execution. Are we a country that has lost its compassion and empathy? The Tea Party spokepeople claim that they are not interested in social issues, but economics alone: Crooks & Liars. This claim is so absurd as to not warrant a response, but there is the deeper issue of whether we can actually separate social issues like healthcare and poverty from economics. This is the assumption of conservatives, but it is again an absurd claim.

The role of the state in contemporary societies has been to mitigate the power of corporations and the power elite to exploit the public at large. They have done this in a number of ways since the beginning of the Great Depression by supporting unions, regulating banks and investment firms, offering healthcare to some or all citizens, breaking up monopolies and oligopolies, helping the poor, elderly and handicapped, protecting workers rights, regulating irresponsible and dangerous corporate behavior and redistributing income. They have also worked to soften the ebbs of the business cycle by providing stimulus to the economy. Since the conservative revolution, all of these roles have been attacked and seriously circumscribed. This is well-trodden territory. What is less acknowledged in the mainstream is the simultaneous effort to mark poverty and lack of economic success as moral failures.

There is a long tradition of this in the U.S. and other countries, but the New Deal and Great Society had seriously challenged those ideas. Starting in the 80s, the "blame the victim" discourse gained ascendancy and has been gaining popularity ever since. Together with a "culture of cruelty" on television and in many movies, and the ways that technology and consumer culture alienate people from each other, it can be argued that we are becoming a society that lacks empathy. There are certainly plenty that continue to fight for the poor and downtrodden, but it is possible that there are many more that either don't care or actively believe that those who fail deserve it. Certain strands of evangelical Christianity have further solidified these ideas by arguing that those who succeed do so because of God's will; which lends itself to the obvious concomitant conclusion that those who fail also do so at God's will.

A society without compassion or empathy is a society that will amost inevitably slide toward Fascism. Without a belief that we have some responsibility to each other, society collapses into the neoliberal dreamscape, where each person simply looks out for themselves (and maybe their immediate family). Over time, factions will grow that will seek to punish those who don't follow the dictates of that society. Polanyi makes this very point in a different context in arguing that the rise of Fascism and Communism were preordained by the pre-WWII global economic reality. Assuming we are again approaching a similar economic crisis of corporate and state interest conflicting dramatically with those of the public at large, we may again face this choice, without many supporting the precepts of communism or even socialism any longer. It is a troubling time, but one hopes that empathy can be restored as people looked around them and see the real costs of the choices we have made. I do every night, as the number of homeless on the Venice boardwalk continues to rise ...

Taxing the Rich vs. Class Warfare

Interesting blog post on the Washington Post website today: Blog. The post explores a variety of proposals to gradate tax rates for those making over $500,000. The various proposals could earn the government anywhere from several billion to one trillion dollars over the next decade. The pain to individuals would not be too great, as most of the proposals increase their rates by 1 to 10%. The plans are sensible and should be instituted to help solve two problems at once: 1. The unfair distribution of income and wealth in the country at present and 2. The growing deficit and debt. It is time to start acting responsibly as a country, before it is too late. How long will the public allow elected officials to protect the wealthy and corporations at the expense of the poor and working class? I suppose we will find out more on Monday ... but it really is time to put the "class warfare" argument to rest forever (Fox News).

Arsenal Blues Redux

Well, a typical Arsenal game since the Birmingham debacle last year. Two leads wasted. Terrible at the back. Terrible on set pieces. Djourou reaffirming his position as one of the worst defenders I've ever seen in the Premiership. Plenty of chances squandered. A missed offsides on one of the Blackburn goals. And another poor away result after being the best away team in the league last year. There is little to say, though I will anyway.

Arsenal could easily see themselves relegated this year if their defense doesn't improve, and one has to place much of the blame with Arsene. He is the one that selected Djourou (always terrible), Squillaci (awful) and Koscielny (very uneven). He is the one who took Mertesacker over Cahill. He is the one who doesn't seem to be able to coach or motivate his team to play well on set pieces or on defense for 90 minutes (or in general at key moments).  

The worst thing about this loss is how strong we looked on the offensive side. We moved the ball wonderfully, Song distributed well, Gervinho scored his first competitive goal, Arteta scored again, Ramsey looked good, Chamakh finally scores (for the first time since last November) and the team easily could have had 5 or 6. And yet it wasn't enough because of two own goals and a lot of missed opportunities. Even at the end, we could have stolen a point if Mertesacker puts an open header in the net, Chamakh puts another in from the left side or Walcott finishes one on one. I think it is almost time to write off the league, put a strong focus on the Carling and/or FA Cup and seriously consider a major signing or three in the winter transfer window. If things don't change, I assume this will be Wenger's last year. This is a team with a losing attitude and I'm not sure how, or if, it will change ... 

Media Misinformation

The media just keeps getting it wrong, spreading disinformation which tends to feed the fear and lies that so often support conservative policy in America. The latest comes from MSNBS, with Chuck Todd speaking with Richard Stengel, the managing editor of Time: 

I think [Rick Perry's] on to something. Do Americans really realize that there is no such thing as a social security trust fund? That it's a pay as you go program and when there are fewer paying in than what you get out? Are they're any people under 35 in America who believe that Social Security is going to be there as it is and was for their parents? So I think he's hearing something that maybe the other candidates aren't hearing. 

There actually is a social security trust fund and it can meet it's obligations for the next 30+ years. And it can meet them for the foreseeable future if we do one of two things: 1. Simply tax those making over 100k at the same rate and/or 2. Invest the fund collectively in slightly better returning investments (than the t-bills that currently serve that role).

One Song Sally

It's extraordinary when one considers that one party in a two-party system has had absolutely no new ideas in about 30 years. Since the Reagan revolution it is tax cuts, deregulation and more tax cuts. Nothing else. Ever. And just in case we thought something might change after the economy has been mired in economic crisis for three years, the clear answer is NO!

In a speech to the Economic Club of Washington, House Speaker John Boehner again reiterated his dedication to no new taxes, including a clear signal that he will consider letting the Bush tax cuts expire as an "increase" in taxes (Slate). In essence, the message to the American public is fuck you. The GOP is the party of business, the party of the wealthy and the party of no. No new ideas. No tax increases. No cuts to military spending. No regulation of a Wall Street gone wild. And no to pretty much anything Obama proposes; even when it was originally proposed by them.

I feel like a broken record sometimes, but it is beyond absurd that the GOP is considered a serious party in America when poverty rates have hit 15%, real unemployment rates 16%, our education system is in tatters and the future of the country and globe seem in the balance. When a government has run out of ideas in the midst of a crisis, we know we are in trouble. And yet few good ideas are coming from the private sector either. What we need now is creativity, but unfortunately the instrumental rationality that has reigned supreme for over 30 years appears to be coming home to roost ... or really roast the majority of us.

Arsenal Report Card

Well, if one hadn't watched the game today, they might say this was a positive result. We got a point against the champions of the German Bundesliga last year in their house. Van Persie scored yet again and one could argue the team continues to move in the right direction, particularly as they were still missing several of their best players including Wilshire, Vermaelen and Djourou (just kidding on that last one). But there also continue to be points of concern:

- After finishing the half brightly, the second half saw the squad unable to maintain possession for more than a pass or two at a time. They looked rather disheveled throughout and often cleared when a good pass might have led to a nice counterattack. 
- I think it has become even clearer with time that we need a better holding midfielder than Song. While he was strong on defense, he often makes terrible decisions going forward and makes poor choices.
- Something has to be done to improve Walcott's decision making -- while he had a great assist in the first half, he is just not a great winger, too often giving the ball away, taking ill-advised shots or failing to finish when the opportunity emerges. Don't get me wrong, there are moments of brilliance, but they are sometimes overshadowed by poor play on a relatively regular basis.
- I like Gervinho and think he will grow into an integral role with the team, but he dribbled into players throughout the game. He needs to pass the ball more often. This is a problem with too many players on Arsenal at present. The beautiful one touch passing that I once loved to watch is largely gone. This was particularly true of Benayoun, who I remember from his impressive days with Liverpool, but seems to have lost it completely -- looking terrible throughout.
- The defense has certainly improved, and but for a great shot would have kept the home team scoreless, but needs to improve on their clearance and distribution out -- so they are not left defending against a relentless attack. It is also clear that Vermaelen is sorely missed in the middle. 
- Van Persie has shown over the past year plus that he is one of the best finishers around. We need better distribution to him with opportunities to score. Watching Goetze today reaffirmed my belief (along with the rest of the world) that we need a creative midfielder like him to replace Fabergas/Nasri. I think we should go full-throttle for someone to fill that role in the Winter transfer window. On a related note, Arteta looked very good in the first half but much less so in the second. It's his first Champions League appearance, so I'll make allowances, but I hope he can improve his quality in the next outing. 
- To stay positive, I do believe this was a good result, and maybe the first step toward qualifying for the elimination stage.

A final note -- what an incredible result for AC Milan! I have been a Barca fan since I lived in Barcelona in 1999, but they have become so good that I like to see quality matches against them and Milan has to be delighted with the two goals that parenthesized an important draw in Camp Nou. Good for them, even as I'm sure Barca will qualify; and probably win the group. But two disappointing results in less than a week might be a sign that the weakness in defense could cost them a repeat of the success of last year.

GOP Balks at Plan

Surprise, Surprise -- the GOP doesn't like the new Obama plan. Why? Well it is Obama, right? Or maybe its the slight tax increases on those making over $200,000 and their corporate benefactors in Oil and Gas. But really it's just that Obama is not being bi-partisan. Yes, you heard that right -- Republicans are complaining that Obama is not being bipartisan, after they have shown no inclination in this direction since the moment he was elected. Here is the quote: 

"We remain eager to work together on ways to support job growth, but this proposal doesn’t appear to have been offered in that bipartisan spirit," Michael Steel, the spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner told reporters on Monday. (Slate).

This would be laughable if it wasn't just the kind of comment that has traction with a population and media that seem to have the memories of a sieve.

Arsenal Off the Snide

Arsenal finally pulled off a victory on Saturday, 1-0 against the newly promoted Swansea. There were some positives from the performance and the newly acquired Arteta and Per Mertesacker acquitted themselves well. Walcott had some good moments, and almost scored, but I still think he needs to work on his decision-making and finishing skills. Arshavin saved the day with an acute angle goal after a big error from the Swansea goalee. And Van Persie looked good, almost scoring a lovely goal from his right foot. But there are still issues. The defense gave Swansea some real opportunities and only the bar saved us from a really disappointing draw. Chamakh looked a little better, but probably should have scored with a header from a nice cross. And there is still a relative lack of creativity that really needs to be addressed. Arteta certainly looked good, particularly in the first half and when Wilshire and Gervinho come back I think things will improve. Our schedule looks good for the next five outings, and I really think we need to collect 12-15 points to get back in the race. Next up is the Champions League, another opportunity for the old and new Gunners to shine!