Gyroscope

Bush supporters, like terminal-stage Nixon-ites, can imply that it is only the political class who objects to Bush, and that “beyond the beltway,” far “out in the heartland” people are still patriotic and love their president.

Sorry, no sale. SurveyUSA reports the grim news. In Kansas Bush’s approval rating is a beautiful 38% against a disapproval of 60%. Among those over 55 it is 37%. Among self-identified moderates it is 28%

But here is the statistic that announces the doom of the entire Bush regime. Among Kansans who own a gun his approval is 48% against a disapproval of 50%. That’s right, Bush can’t even carry gun owners in Kansas. That’s sad. That’s the end.

So who does support Bush? Well he gets 64% among Republicans and 71% among those who think global warming is a hoax. No comment.

Posted by John Nordin at 09:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The new book by Josh Rushing

I admit that I admire Rushing. From his first appearance in the movie Control Room through the last page of this book he is unfailingly calm, reasonable and even handed; not something we have a surplus of these days. His personal journey is compelling, but his mission: to break down barriers of misunderstanding between Americans and the world confident that most people everywhere want to live in peace is one I strongly believe in.

The book mirrors this. He recounts his personal story, his upbringing, his career in the Marines, his frustration with the political appointees who shaped relations with the media during the early days of the Iraq war and his transition out of the Marines due to their distaste with his appearance in Control Room. By the way, he explains that almost all of the film of him in that movie comes from one interview, and doesn’t really reflect an arc of growth over a period of time.

My only frustration with the book is that because he so calm, that he doesn’t provide many of the juicy details I was hoping for. Some are there, and my favorites are the stories of the arch-conservative spokespeople who orate against the evil of Al Jazera and then accept money from it for interviews. But even then he can’t bring himself to indulge in inflated rhetoric and violent denunciations. Probably a good thing.

Most of the book is given to him arguing his case for increased and open interaction with the Arab world and the key role that interacting with Al Jazera could play in that. He points out that, by one survey, Al Jazera is the number one media brand in the world. He defends the network against some common distortions (it has never, not once, shown a beheading, for example) and reminds readers that Al Jazera has been thrown out of most of the Arab world for its honest reporting.

One of the interesting ironies is that Israel is more open about interacting with Al Jazera than is American media. Israeli government spokespeople appear on the network regularly; American’s refuse.

Rushing’s vision of the world is hopeful and compelling. His tag line on the book is reflected on every page: “Build a bridge, seek the truth, change the world.”

Posted by John Nordin at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Global warming – even oil company execs admit it is real, heck, even George Bush admits it. Our dependence on imported oil and refined gasoline – big problem. So, now would be one of those great moments when the inspired leadership of our auto manufacturers could step forward, take the lead and capture the imagination of a nation by embracing, no – proposing new and higher standards of efficiency for cars, SUVs and light trucks. And, of course, the Democratic leadership, eager to signal a change of direction could get on board with it.

No, forget that. The New York Times reports (June 7, page c1) that auto execs have landed in Washington to oppose a proposal to make a 27% improvement in gas mileage over the next 13 years – which works out to about a 2% a year improvement. 2% a year would “gravely damage” the industry. 2%. And this after years of mileage actually going down – so it’s not is if this effort comes after some Herculean effort.

Gosh, I guess the US automakers must have the most incompetent engineering staffs in the entire world – if they haven’t laid them off already. They can’t manage 2% a year improvement.

No wonder the world is eating them for lunch.

Posted by John Nordin at 07:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Shouldn’t this be news?

The parliament today passed a binding resolution that will guarantee lawmakers an opportunity to block the extension of the UN mandate under which coalition troops now remain in Iraq when it comes up for renewal in December.

As quoted in Crooks and Liars.

A few sites are mentioning this, but it’s not getting much play. The resolution may be vetoed.

Posted by John Nordin at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)