Slots to Save the Kids and Ponies

One of the most contentious issues being debated in Maryland, has been the issue of slot machines. The previous governor, Erlich, tried to get them but was thwarted by the democratic legislature. Now, our current governor and former mayor O'Malley is trying to resurrect the issue. The Sun has several articles worth reading on the subject.
The main goal of the slot proposal by the governor is twofold. First, shore up $555 million of $1.7 billion dollar budget shortfall. Second, to protect the horse racing industry here in Maryland. The government's argument being, too many people are running to PA ad WV with their gambling dollars, and they leave the local tracks high and dry.
The opposition, which includes the state comptroller has said slots would only be the begining and "slots in a neighborhood near you" would be right around the corner. But, as I see it, if the state budget is going to have such a massive deficit, why not try to recoup some of the money being lost outside of the state? That way the lawmakers won't have to make the cuts in the essential services such as health care, education, etc.

But, in the end it is the age old fight of vice versus virtue. I can see that with gambling comes addiction and crime . O'Malley has proposed a set aside to fund treatment of the by products of gambling.

A Thorn in the Side of Secrecy

Seymour Hersch is one of the preeminent investigative reporters of our times. Starting with his Pulitzer prize winning journalism, that exposed the massacre in the Vietnam village of Mia Lia. He continues to produce some of the most well researched and thoroughly sourced pieces about America's military and intelligence services. I started reading his articles in the New Yorker after I got back from Iraq. His reach is unparalleled, and his articles are prescient.

More recently the focus of his articles have been Iran (1,2,3,4). More specifically, our administrations slow creep in the instigation of a war with that country. He recently sat down with his editor from the New Yorker, during their annual festival, to discuss his coverage of the administrations fixation on Iran. The first money quote is after the editor asks him how do we deal with Iran, other than militarily, and Hersh responds "there is only one way. . .he wants to do it." It is apparent from what Sy says, is that Bush & Co. are still focused on going into Iran. They are not interested in a diplomatic solution that would necessitate us sitting down with one of the axis. Which is ironic, considering we have just cut a deal with the North Koreans concerning their nuclear program. Wherein they have agreed to halt their weapons production, and the international community will supply amongst many things fuel oil. The fact that North Korea already has the reactor and the weapons technology, and we could still negotiate with them seems more than hypocritical.

I believe it is incumbent upon a responsible citizen to read these articles. This slow creep in the escalating bellicose rhetoric of our administration is frightening similar to the lead up to Iraq. I have increased faith that our media is more on guard against the type of hype that surrounded the run up to the Iraq war, but not in the decision making apparatus at the highest levels of our civilian leadership, either for fear of bucking the "war on terrorism" fight, or from those who are hell bent on regime change in Iran.

Regrets and Rememberances

I often dwell on the issue of Iraq for several reasons. First, I spent several years in the military, and was part of the initial invasion force that went into Iraq. I can remember it as if it were yesterday driving in the back of a dust filled humvee (no armor), crossing into Iraq. Those first couple of weeks, I was hopeful but confused at the same time. We had been told to expect some sort of chemical attack, from the non-existent weapons I suspect. But I was hopeful that we could still make a significant contribution to the first Arab democracy. Years later, I see we were sadly mistaken, and were mislead by an administration hell bent on toppling a malevolent dictator.
Having said that, I was interested in Peter Baker's article in the Washington Post today. He has interviewed several of the former key administration staffers that have left the White House recently. It appears that bridges were burned, and friendships were torn asunder because some of these staffers "drank the kool-aid" according to Joe Klein of Time magazine. He was talking specifically of Peter Wehner, who was the White House director of strategic initiatives until August. He says that "The fact that [the Iraq war] didn't go so well is something you struggle with." He struggles with it? I am glad he has to at least "struggle" with being apart of such a strategic policy blunder, it will take decades to redeem our status, if it is even salvageable at this point.

But I have much harsher criticism for Mehgan O' Sullivan, who until recently was deputy national security adviser for Iraq and Afghanistan. She came over from the State Department and was involved early in Iraq with the CPA. She actually makes an appearance in the book by Trainor and Gordon, Cobra II, which deals with pre-Iraq planning. In it, she was actually opposed by the Bush White House because she was a realist, and wanted to actually plan for insurgency situations instead of the Vice President's most famous of assessments. She was later brought into the White House, and appears to have consumed some of the strongest Kool Aid they had to offer. She was seen by many on the ground in Iraq as wielding "the [...] 7,000-mile screwdriver", which is indicative of the way this war has been run. The statement that troubles me the most is her rhetorical "Is it worth it?" If someone still has to ask themselves this, they have many more fundamental questions to asks themselves.

On a more somber note, I would like to bring your attention to the anniversary that should be remember by all persons who enjoy an open media, no matter you political bent. Ms. Anna Politkovskaya, a Russian journalist, was murdered a year ago in a gangland style slaying, that shocked all of Russia. You can read more about the murder and investigation here, here, and here. I wanted to mention her, because it speaks to a much larger issue. The flow of the information,and truth is a vital part of an open society. Without it, we are uninformed and left in the dark about the atrocities that Ms. Anna Politkovskaya reported on in Chechnya. While Russia remains a nominal democracy, we have begun to see a clamp down on the truth telling that can occur in this country, and the recent actions by President Putin don't lend me to believe their country will continue its progression towards an open society, but just a rendition of what happened in the old Soviet Union.

Lexington Market: A Microcosm of Baltimore

One of my favorite and more interesting places to visit is Lexington Market. I should correct myself, the "The World Famous Lexington Market", because that is what the sign says out front. You can see the sign on the adjoining parking lot, because it looms large on the West Side. The Market has so much to offer, I am not sure where to start. First, there is the food which is in abundance. From fresh seafood to produce, you can do some serious shopping here. It is a major depot for lunch goers during the week, and the food isn't bad. When I first moved here, I was introduced to one of the major delicacies of Baltimore which is the Berger cookie. It is cookie Nirvana if you ask me, but you can be the judge of that. There are sweets shops a plenty, so if you do have a hankering for chocolate covered pretzels, get them there.

What is amazing about this place are the people . There are tons of people there, just hanging out all day. Even better, there are places that serve alcohol. People are there eating and drinking earlier in the morning and until the place shuts down! But, even if you never make your way into the Market, you will certainly be effected by the traffic out front. If you are traveling along Eutaw st., be careful. The people that are coming and going into the Market pay no heed to the traffic lights. If they see a chance to make it across the street, even if you car is barreling at them, they will take it. I find myself drawn into extreme cross walking, when I go to the Market, so beware!

I think some explanation is in order when it comes to this whole "Charm City" issue. When I first moved here, a little over a year ago, I was bombarded by the second name for our fair city. For those of your who are native Baltimorians this will be a bit repititous, but here goes. So it appears that are several stories as to where this nickname comes from, but it remains ironic either way.

A Shot Across the Bow

Since this is my first posting, I assume it should be some great polemic that gives you some great understanding of who I am. Unfortunately, my writing is rusty and my creative writing skills are woefully lacking. Please stayed tuned for insightful analysis of worldy as well as local events. Living in Baltimore does has its benefits, one being I am reminded what blue color working folk are like. Living in D.C. for a couple of years helps you forget that. However, it would be wrong if I don't introduce you to our beloved Mayor Sheila "E" Dixon. She doesn't play the drums though.