7 Significant Flames Fanned by Rachel Maddow’s “Blowout”

Photo by Ashlee Attebery on Unsplash

Walter Cronkite was a lifelong Republican. In his day, Cronkite ‘told it like it was, and America trusted what he reported. Richard Nixon was watching Cronkite in the jungles of Vietnam, decked out in a green army uniform complete with helmet and microphone, as he grimly reported to millions of citizens that the Vietnam war had become an unwinable quagmire. President Nixon said, “If I’ve lost Cronkite, I’ve lost Middle America.”

While she may never have the stature of Walter Cronkite, Rachel Maddow has become a force, a journalist who dares to tell it like it is …and goes the extra mile to tell Americans what they may be afraid to hear. I am quite aware that Ms. Maddow, a former Oxford Rhodes Scholar, is often painted by some on the far right as a raging liberal, so biased that she cannot be trusted to tell the truth. Some think this is true of all MSNBC hosts — even Nicole Wallace, a former Republican and John McCain’s former communications director.

To my way of thinking, a scholar is a person of integrity and dedication to their studies— in her case journalism. On that both Cronkite and Maddow have much in common. Ms. Maddow has proven in her previous work Drift to be a thorough researcher, a fine writer and, whether one agrees with her or not, a seeker of the truth as it pertains to the subject of her investigation.

Ms. Maddow lays out her case with precision and just a touch of humor…albeit dark.

For the open minded and curious, this essay is a snapshot of some of her most salient themes in what is a dense well footnoted and heavily sourced new book entitled: Blowout: corrupted democracy, rogue state Russia, and the richest, most destructive industry on earth. Ms. Maddow lays out her case with precision and just a touch of humor…albeit dark. So here goes:

· Putin: The Russian kingmaker is a thug of the first degree. Opposition is destroyed. His ‘people’ are poor; however, nary a peep comes from them or else they faced an ‘unfortunate’ demise. There is little he does not control and exploit for his own financial interest. This includes the plentiful, but extremely difficult to reach Russian Arctic oil deposits. He backed himself and his nation into an economic corner — oil and gas are all they really have to offer economically. Enter Rex Tillerson…

· Rex Tillerson and Exxon Mobile: There was a reason Tillerson is Putin’s comrade. After figuring out that Russian industry couldn’t extract oil because they were so incompetent, multinational corporations were called; they had the technical know-how to bust through the Arctic ice. BP, Shell and other competition didn’t offer the rosy deal that Tillerson’s Exxon Mobile offered. Putin kept a king’s ransom, but Tillerson’s shareholders would be quite happy with their cut. There was only one little problem…

· Ukraine, Crimea and United States’ Sanctions. Putin wanted expansion badly. He felt Ukraine was rightfully his…er, I mean Russia’s. Putin’s forceful invasion of Crimea and then his attack on eastern Ukraine (killing thousands of Ukrainian freedom-from-Putin fighters), caused the US Congress and the Obama administration to act in a bipartisan manner to put powerful sanctions on Russia. Specifically, multinational companies (i.e. Exxon Mobil) were ordered to stand down and stop sending drilling materials, etc. to Russia. This did not make Tillerson happy. Why?…

· US Foreign Policy: This means little to the Exxon Mobil bottom line: Profitability ‘trunps’ all. So Rex and Co. needed a new administration to step in to the Oval Office. No one was a bigger fan of Mr.Trump than Putin. There was only one catch, getting Trump elected. Hmm…

· John McCain to the Rescue: Here is a little known nugget. Most Americans know McCain thwarted the McConnell plan to kill the ACA (Obamacare), but few are aware ( I was not) that McCain made sure that the sanctions were not removed by the Congress. Ms. Maddow explains the specifics. McCain famously said that when he looked into Putin’s eyes he saw a cold blooded KGB agent. But the story is not over…

· Russian Propaganda Machine: Maddow’s closing chapters (26–29) detail the Russian disinformation campaign. I’ll leave all the juicy details to the reader; however, suffice it to say a 24/7, all hands on deck, no holds barred campaign was established circa 2014. There were Facebook ads, websites that seem entirely ‘American made’, and cyber-spies abound. Their purpose: to make sure Americans do not know whom or what to trust. Disinformation is the most powerful weapon that Putin had. For one example, the organization called “The Heart of Texas” was a Russian created web-world. Many Americans bought it and its propaganda hook-line- and stinker. And so who rides to the rescue?…

· Constituents: I wish Ms. Maddow had a better answer for the darkness and polarization that has clouded our nation, but honestly, she argues that comes down to constituents’ effort to find out the truth despite the haze of ‘alternate facts’ and then each citizen making the commitment of voting.

Maddow hones in on these facts that to some may find debatable, but as she makes clear in her own way (and time) science has her back: Fracking causes earthquakes (notably in Oklahoma). Fossil fuel dependence leads to global warming and extreme weather (from the polar ice melt to tornadoes tearing across the nation’s midsection). These scientific facts are coupled with the expert knowledge of distinguished reseachers Maddow takes pains to footnote.

Photo from blogs UOregon.edu

As I said, Rachel Maddow may not be your cup of tea, but she makes a compelling case for understanding Putin’s motives, the mission of Big Oil and Gas, and the Disinformation War that beguiles so many Americans of goodwill. I sincerely hope that the cynicism that runs rampant today’s jungle does not blurr the facts. Walter Cronkite used to remind us as he looked into the camera, “That’s the way it is.” If you didn’t know about these issues, now you have a preview. The book may just light the flame.

Hollywood’s: #Oscar So Sad

Myke Simon from Upsplash

It was a weak year for films—at least that was my feeling. Even the newest Star Wars saga was just good…not really up to the standard I expect. But, hey…it was fun at least. However, the three films accorded the most nominations by the Oscar voters were anything but fun. I’m referring to The Joker, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Irishman.

With these films, the Academy has rounded up the usual suspects (and directors). These were films that often bomb in the box office (Once Upon a Time) or barely/ never show up at the box office box—only on Netflix. (Irishman/Marriage Story.) And the thing is…I had no interest in spending hours watching them.

That’s right. I didn’t see Joker, Hollywood or Irishman. Why? Because I don’t want to see madness, murder, and mayhem—(if I wanted that, I turn on the news), nor do I care about much about Hollywood’s male actors (Pitt and DiCaprio) who feel so bummed out because their ‘good ol’ days of yesteryear’ in westerns just don’t play in 1969. Perhaps the portrayal of Native American Indians back then was…um, despicable. I’d be more interested in seeing films about women who have been screwed by the Hollywood establishment…see Greta Gerwig.

As for Joker, I know there are many stories of people dispossessed and disturbed—real people who feel hopeless. But a comic book villain! Seriously? The Washington Post’s critic Ann Hornaday did see the film and wrote, “A grim, shallow, distractingly derivative homage to 1970s movies at their grittiest, ? Joker? continues the dubious darker-is-deeper tradition.” So that’s a no in my book. Heath Ledger’s portrayal was enough madness for me.

The Irishman is about a ‘guy’—as in ‘I know a guy’ who does not paint houses but rubs people out for the mafia. Maybe he killed Jimmy Hoffa—but ‘what’s it to ya?’ I know the folks involved are maestros of the cinema, but I have had enough of Italians or Irishman being murders. For three and a half hours, yikes! I just wonder: does this have any value to me? But in the end my reaction to each of these films is best summed up by Rhett Butler, “Frankly, Scarlet, I just don’t give a damn.”

So now that I got that out of my system, here are some films I really enjoyed.

I loved Yesterday, a fantasy that asks a profound question: what if the Beatles never were? It makes one wonder what if: Kennedy had not been killed in Dallas or Buddy Holly’s plane hadn’t crashed?

I thought Blinded by the Light was terrific. (Disclaimer: I am a hardcore Bruce Springsteen fan.) It was a coming of age film that crossed racial and cultural barriers about how music can speak to teenagers in a way that empowers them to find out what their verse* could be. (*A nod to John Keating of Dead Poets Society)

Little Women is the fantastic flashback-flash forward view of the limitations and ambitions that women faced as America reached the 20^th century. Greta Gerwig’s vision, casting, and writing transformed a classic into the artistic standard for the year.

Harriet, the historical drama of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and her leadership in the Underground Railroad, is a saga worth my time and worthy of more award nominations than a singular one for best actress in a leading role.

It’s a Beautiful Day was a gentle reminder that just one person can truly make a difference. Fred Rogers is not the focus of the film, but he is the force that changes the dynamic of the cynical journalist who simply cannot believe that forgiveness is one of the highest virtues a human being can display.

Marriage Story was gripping—kudos to both lead actors. If its goal was to show how destructive divorce can be for the children, former lovers, and families, then it hits its mark. (Spoiler Alert for the next few sentences!) These characters are protected financially with second mortgages of family and a MacArthur Grant that just happens to pop up conveniently. Nevertheless, it is gut ranching to see them tear each other apart. I cannot speak to the reality of this picture, having never been in this situation. However, with divorce now the norm rather than the exception, I am sure many couples see similar pitfalls just lurking in their homes. (Too bad it never was on the marquee of a movie theater as Netflix had a monopoly on its distribution. )

American Factory, a documentary co-produced from the Obama Foundation, was a thought provoking look at today’s blue collar workforce in the America’s heartland and how it is juxtaposed with a Japanese company’s desire to make its values and traditions harmonious with American workers.

Western Stars, the Springsteen concert film, does not fit in any category, but the 13 songs paint a vivid picture of what life is like for so many who yearn for love and meaning as the years zoom past and the dreams of yesterday seem just out of one’s grasp. (Remember—I am an unabashed Springsteen fan…so I am so biased.)

1917 is one I have not gotten around to see yet, but a film that depicts war as gruesome, and does so with unique realism,  reminds us of the unimaginable horror of war.

Once upon a time, the Academy of Motion Pictures seemed to be moving forward acknowledging people of color, women and films that really meant something; instead of making a joker, an assassin, and some pretty boys the focus of the evening. Well, as they say in baseball, there’s always next year.

My Top Ten Mantras to Cope with all the Craziness (Hollywood Edition)

I’ve been thinking about how I am going to handle the stress of current ‘state of the union’. In my view, America is teetering on the brink of a Constitutional crisis, not to mention war, induced by the reckless, ignorant, and self-serving actions of one Donald Trump. You may or may not agree, but I still think there is something in this list for you.

So, I offer a few time-tested mantras to help my readers reach some peace –or at least give them a chant that they can repeat when things climb to a maddening zenith. Pick the one that best applies to your sensibilities.

#1. “I’m as mad as hell and I am not gonna take it anymore!” (screaming preferably out a window)

#2. “You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth!”( it’s a rhetorical question, really)

#3. “Let’s just look on the bright side of life.”(Sing it while hanging around waiting for something big to happen)

#4. “The problems of three little people don’t add up to a hill of beans in this crazy world.”(always good for use at airports)

#5. “Are you crying? Are you crying? There’s no crying in _________” (fill in the blank) (nothing like sports to reduce your level of anxiety)

#6. “Frankly, ____________, I don’t give a damn.” (another fill in the blank.) (this is one you can personalize)

#7. “Greed is good.”(to sooth an aching conscience)

#8. “Momma says, ‘Stupid is a stupid does.’ ”(Momma also said, there’d be days like this…there’d be days like this, my Momma said.)

#9. “Houston…we have a problem.”(a classic understatement that fits so many occasions)

And rounding out the top ten mantras…

#10. “Who ya gonna call…Trumpbusters.” (or whomever you may blame for the current state of affairs.)

I hope this list gives solace to my loyal readers. I know all of them may be needed so the best answer may be “All of the above.”

A postscript: for you film buffs, these mantras come from the following films: Network, A Few Good Men, Life of Brian, Casablanca, A League of Their Own, Gone with the Wind, Wall Street, Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, and Ghostbusters.

The Truth and Trump are not Synonymous

It has been said that when the American President speaks “the truth must be self-evident.” A President’s character is based on the level of integrity perceived by the American citizens, our foreign allies, as well as our foes. Without this trust, words are meaningless and deeds are dubious.

Let’s take a step back in time. When Nixon said “I am not a crook,” he fooled us once. When Clinton said he didn’t “Have sex with that woman”—we were not fooled. When General Colin Powell claimed that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and that America was justified in invading a sovereign nation, even he had to admit he was played; and to this day he regrets his words and deeds.

However, when The New York Times documented over 1,000 untruths that spewed from President Trump’s mouth from the day he claimed President Obama was not born in the USA until most recently, a pattern of utter disregard for truth and accuracy was tossed aside by Trump and those who claimed there were ‘alternate facts” and “fake news.”

So now Mr. Trump expects Americans to believe this latest crisis with Iran was not of his making? That Iran is singularly at fault because they were planning an “immanent’ attack? In the words of The Who: “We won’t get fooled again.”

Ben Rhodes, the United States Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications under President Obama, noted on 5 January 2020: “This is a lie, offensive, obscene and an absolute disgrace. This man (Pompeo) and his boss (Trump) have destroyed America’s reputation and made a shambles of Iran policy in part because of their pathetic obsession with Barack Obama who they will never, ever measure up to.” He is referring to the assassination of the Iranian General Suleimani.

Peter Baker of The New York Times explains, “An accelerated Iranian nuclear program and Iraq trying to kick the US out are just the beginning of the consequences of what Trump has done. This will unfold over years and it all began with withdrawal from JCPOA (the nuclear arms abandonment treaty). How could anyone think Trump was up to this job?”

Even Senator Lindsey Graham told Jake Tapper on CNN before Mr. Trump was elected, “South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham on Donald Trump: "I'm not going to try to get into the mind of Donald Trump because I don't think there's a whole lot of space there. I think he's a kook. I think he's crazy. I think he's unfit for office." (Feb. 17, 2016)

Mr. Trump’s Vice President continues to blatantly misinform the American people on Fox News when Mr. Pence falsely linked Suleimani to 9/11. The truth was that the 9/11 Commission concluded this regarding Iran: "We have found no evidence that Iran or Hezbollah was aware of the planning for what later became the 9/11 attack....” (NY Times 1/2/2020)

Of course, I support the American soldiers who are simply following orders. We all should. 

But I, for one, am not foolish enough to follow along with this utterly disgraceful president and his political sympathizers, who fear the Twitter wrath of a man who himself used five deferments (bone spurs!) to avoid service in Vietnam.

Character is molded in a lifetime of service, not just to one’s self interests, but in the resolve to speak the truth, with grace and dignity. On this singular quality, Donald Trump has failed the nation and made a mockery of his oath of office.

Trump’s Children—Send them to the Front Lines!

Courtsey of  Zhang H from Upsplash

Since Donald Jr. and Eric Trump love to hunt (see all their pictures of ‘big game’ they proudly display), it’s obvious they know how to handle a rifle. Don Jr. just posted pictures of his assault rifles the other day.

My, Don Jr. looked like he was eager to head out the Middle East to defend his father’s wishes! So let those ‘brothers’ enlist and head off to the Middle East’s Front Lines!  

Son-in-law Jared is plenty health, too. And after all, he’s supposed to handle the entire Israel/Arab conflict and bring those folks to a peaceful settlement…any day now…remember? So what better way to do so than to get his designer boots on the ground, as well?

Ah, but naturally, they will have to have their bone spurs checked first. That’s the prudent thing to do.

Caution! They better not tell the President. He was the one who dodged the draft, admitting he had no intention of wasting his life in the jungles of Vietnam. He fought the battles of Studio 54.

Better to let those other poor, young kids who don’t have the money or influence he had to risk their lives.

Meanwhile, back at the golf course….

Hail and Farewell: Joe McEachron

I lost my ‘pal Joey’ this year —far too early in his life well lived. As the year ends, we see so many fond remembrances of those heroes past — famous ones, of course. But to those thousands of students, teachers, and friends, Joe will be sorely missed. And that is an understatement.

Joe and I worked at Mt. Carmel High School for 30+ years. Joe was Captain Radical to some, but he was no ordinary Joe to me. It’s hard to remember exactly when Joe and I joined forces as members of the Union to fight for and win concessions for wages and conditions. It’s just one day we looked at each other and said ,”We gotta piss some folks off; so much so they stop assuming we will just go along with the status quo (that was my language Joe…not so polite). So we did. He was the bad cop and I was the good one. And, boy did we piss some folks off. I remember telling one particular administrator at the District Office — you better take some action because there is no telling what Joe’ll do — some crazy stuff. 

Then he went to the Union office and still fought for teachers — except now he wore fancy clothes and cursed a little less — a little. I saw him less, but when I did it was just magic. Here was a guy who carried the world on his shoulders- a large family, a lovely wife and the adoration of 200+ kids a years who just called him JOE. 

He stood with the underdog, the nerds, the bandos, the kids who liked “Glee” — and every sport you could imagine. He was a ‘community organizer’ before Obama. He organized the unforgettable Mt. Carmel ‘Ride and Run’ —(those were the days when we could still run) and the wild after party. I’m sure just mentioning it will make those who we involved smile at the memories. 

He hung out with everyone. Tretter and Johnson. The coaches. The English department even. (Though Joe professed that English was the silly stuff…math, now that’s really what matters). Funny thing was that when Joe was asked by a student why they had to take so and so course in math, Joe never bullshitted them. “Because you gotta. It’s a damn hoop ya gotta jump through. Sorry.”

I used to run with him…then walk with him…then just sit around and talk with him. But the hardest hand most poignant talk came at his hospital bedside when it was clear that he was facing something he and I never thought could happen to someone so young and so fit. I did most of the talkin’ and Joe struggled to breathe. I told him I represented all of Mt. Carmel past and present who were pulling for him. He smiled and said the only thing he had the strength to force out: “I can’t thank you enough for coming to see me.”

There are certain sentences that stick with you your whole life. 

Joe, I can’t thank you enough for coming to all of us. God Bless.