Blog entry

Plastics!

Rick Perlstein — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:10:14 -0400

News that shower curtains might make people sick is alerting consumers to the problem of toxins in plastics. A recent report by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice found that some curtains –- sold at major chain stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, K-mart, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart -– contain high concentrations of toxic chemicals like phthalates. These have been linked to reproductive defects and developmental problems in infants.

Parents pay attention when it comes to toxic substances and child safety. They were caught unawares by last year’s toxic toys incident -- which led Mattel to recall millions of children’s products made in China. But this summer, concerned parents might hear some good news, because Congress is working to reauthorize and reform the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission was set up in 1973 to "protect the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death" from more than 15,000 varieties of consumer products. The agency is charged with enforcing mandatory standards for products, banning and recalling products, researching potential hazards and developing voluntary standards for industry.

Over the years, the commission has grown weak. But only last year did the public begin to take notice. When the agency had to recall millions of children's toys, it was unable to pass safety rules or take action against violators, The Wall Street Journal reported. A sharp decline in resources is one reason for the agency's inadequacies. Three commissioners are supposed to run the agency, but for the last two years, there have been only two. Perhaps even worse, in the past several years, the staff has been cut by more than half, to about 400 employees....

Read the report here to learn how your shower curtain can kill you.

Hundreds Tell Fox: "Stop The Attacks"

Isaiah J. Poole — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:52:26 -0400

"Dear FOX News, Here's a Fourth of July gift for you, from an Obama supporter and patriotic American," begins a note from Anthony in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. "This year my son and I plan to use window paints to fill our big picture window with the American flag. Please remember that all kinds of Americans, not just Republican Americans, love their country!"

We received notes like this from more than 600 of you in the first 48 hours of our call to tell Fox News to stop branding progressives as unpatriotic, and instead contribute to a respectful debate about the future direction of the country. Each of these people is sending the personnel at Fox News a flag pin that they can wear to remind them that millions of progressive Americans love and stand up for America.

Here's a sample of the messages you're sending with those pins:

"Dear Fox News, You might believe that you are the only Americans who see the value in freedoms, but you would be wrong. The patriots who founded this Nation came from a variety of backgrounds and held a variety of beliefs. Some were progressives, just like me. My grandfathers who fought in the War of 1812, and the Civil War, and my father who served in the Navy in WWII, all believed that they were patriots, and defended our Nation to allow the liberties you criticize, and in fact abuse! I love my country, and I honor our flag, not just this week, but every week. You do not own patriotism. It seems you do not even know what it is! End your criticism of those who disagree with you as being 'unpatriotic'. Dissent is at the very heart of our First Amendment. None of us can pick and choose which liberties we would like to honor!"
—David D., Berwyn, Pa.

"My father flew 55 missions over the European theater in World War II and in 1949 died flying for the Air National Guard. My daughter is a Lt. Commander in the Navy Reserve. I love this country and would not want to live anywhere else. I fly the flag as often as I can. I am against our intervention in Iraq. I am for hunting down Al Qaida. I am also for caring for our infrastructure (roads, etc.), providing the best educational system in the world, making health care available to every one and finding and supporting alternative energy. Please don't call me unpatriotic because I am a liberal. I love this country and want it to be better in every way."
—Ann S., Fredericksburg, Texas.

"America right or wrong does not make a patriot. Patriotism is related to protecting our country by upholding the rights of the Constitution and above all being honest in all our endeavors."
—Maria, Randolph, Vt.

"Dear Fox News, I am the most patriotic of patriotic Americans. I actually became a citizen for the sole reason of being able to vote, in my opinion, one of the highest expressions of patriotism. I understand the true meaning of patriotism which is supporting your country by loving her enough to cheer her on when she is right and letting her know when she is on the wrong track so that it can be corrected. I support our troops without question and would put my life on the line for this country I have adopted. Finally, I love my country. I love my flag. I'm a patriotic progressive American. Please accept this 4th of July gift, and end the attacks on patriotic Americans!"
—Wendy M., San Rafael Calif.

"How dare you say that I am not patriotic just because my political and social beliefs are different from your own! How dare you tell me that I am not patriotic when I know, sing and revere our national anthem; when I proudly display our flag, year around; when I say what I think, even though others may disagree or may not want to hear it. This is a DEMOCRACY and to denigrate others who are forthright in their disagreement is to denigrate ALL OF US!! Shame on you!"
—Marjorie C., Sebastopol, Calif.

"I appreciate our multicultural past. I support real benefits and help for our returning soldiers. I am against Halliburton's money gouging tactics taking real money from our troops. I will display my American flag proudly and boldly this Fourth."
—Robert M., Columbus, Ohio

"Americans are currently engaged in a national debate on how to forge a new direction for our nation after eight years of bitter divisiveness and the unending list of failed policies of the Bush administration. Sadly, Fox News is not a part of that debate, but instead is bent on defending the status quo and making rabid-dog attacks on patriotic Americans and their hopes and dreams for a better tomorrow. Your brand of journalism (Ha!) is better suited to China or Russia, where honest and open debate is not tolerated, and espousing the party line is the only news tolerated."
—Bill W., Palm Bay, Fla.

"As a veteran of World War II—in the combat engineers in Germany—I resent slurs about the patriotism of people who disagree with you."
— Harry F., Roslyn Heights N.Y.

"As a Vietnam era Army veteran, I want you all to know that patriotic Americans do not all believe as you all do. Lapel pins and bumper stickers and your noise on TV do not define patriotism; working toward a better future for all Americans in a tolerant and inclusive society and respecting the Constitution do define patriotism."
— Matthew K., Tempe, Ariz.

"As an Army Reserve veteran, I find your remarks unpatriotic because they intend to divide the country for partisan purposes."
—Jerry S., Washington, D.C.

"One does not have to hate those one disagrees with; one does not have to lie about them either. And certainly, people who love their country and believe in its principles cannot betray it by indulging in cheap, hateful and lying innuendoes. I am a loyal American who is appalled by some of the tactics you all engage in. This flag is an emblem of the country we share; it is not an idol, but it should be respected by the best we are, not the shoddiest."
—Betty L., St. Paul, Minn.

"As an immigrant to this country, I was appalled at the Swift Boat attacks against John Kerry in the last election. I do not believe these are the actions of patriotic people. Patriotism to me is love of country and respect for its citizens."
—Rosemary G., Foster City, Calif.

"Criticism of the Bush administration is an act of love of this country and its constitution, and not a sign of unpatriotism. In contrast to Fox News, I love this country and rejoice in the First Amendment."
—Millie Fortier, San Francisco, Calif.

"Dear fellow Americans, Do you ever scold your kids when they do something wrong? THAT'S what REAL Americans do when America does something wrong, WE try to make America better! Progressive Americans are America's hope for a better tomorrow and a better America. Conservatives want to go back to the 1950s when only white males had power and opportunity. STOP the attacks on patriotic Americans!"
— David P., Austin Texas

Dear Fox "News" - I respect and love the American dream, the Constitution of the United States, the members of the Armed Forces and all those who care about people different from themselves. The American way is compassionate, informed, and in the public interest. Enjoy this symbol of patriotism from a progressive American!"
—Virginia W., Lincoln, Neb.

"Democracy is messy by definition and it appears you use this to misrepresent political views that differ with your own as being unpatriotic. None of the parties have a monopoly on patriotism and to claim that progressives don't love this great, but imperfect country is laughably absurd."
—Terry B., Oceanside, Calif.

"Dear Fox News, Please join me in celebrating the American principle that people of differing political viewpoints can respect each other as fellow patriots. I hold "liberal" viewpoints and am also patriotic. I support policies that make our country strong and secure. I differ from your commentators in how we can best achieve that goal. Please stop impugning my patriotism simply because I disagree with you."
—Andrew S., Jamaica Plain, Mass.

"Patriotism does NOT belong to one party or ideology and I urge you to cease your incessant attacks. Please accept our 4th of July gift in hopes we can all come together & recognize that we are all true patriots under the same grand flag & constitution that celebrates our unity even among diversity. God bless America!"
—Patricia D., Little Neck, N.Y.

"My family came to this country in 1683 and have been part of building it and defending it ever since. We came for religious and political freedom—we were progressives then and we are now. I love my flag and the nation its stands for and I respect your right to your views, with this gift I ask you to respect mine and those of people like me. That is what patriotism is all about in this country. Stop attacking the patriotism of your fellow Americans; it's un-American."
—Mark L., East Rockaway, N.Y.

McContainers

Rick Perlstein — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:13:59 -0400

Contest: caption this photograph...

Here's my entry: In a bid for Midwestern voters devastated by runaway manufacturing jobs, John McCain and Joe Lieberman pose with shipping containers in Third World country seeking free trade deal.

Angry McCain: He Once Assaulted Sandinista Official During Diplomatic Talks

Cliff Schecter — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:54:43 -0400

Just remember, the stories of McCain's calling his wife the c-word and attacking Rick Renzi in 2006 first reported in my book, The Real McCain, they are damn lies as the McCainiacs have claimed (well, actually, McCain called the Renzi incident a lie on Fox, and then his own people backtracked from that falsehood and turned McCain into a liar in The Washington Post).

Because, as you can see, there is simply no pattern of this kind of behavior with McCain:

"McCain was down at the end of the table and we were talking to the head of the guerrilla group here at this end of the table, and I don't know what attracted my attention," Cochran said. "But I saw some kind of quick movement at the bottom of the table and I looked down there and John had reached over and grabbed this guy by the shirt collar and had snatched him up like he was throwing him up out of the chair to tell him what he thought about him or whatever. I don't know what he was telling him but I thought, good grief everybody around here has got guns and we were there on a diplomatic mission. I don't know what had happened to provoke John, but he obviously got mad at the guy and he just reached over there and snatched him."

That's right--McCain lost it and physically assaulted someone at a diplomatic meeting where guns were present. How, um, diplomatic of him.

So, to sum up: I am lying in my book, as is everyone else who has ever reported on the myriad examples of McCain's complete loss of self-control in the presence of others--and McCain is 100% docile and agreeable as his underpaid spokeshacks will tell you. And to elect McCain to a position where he would be attending many of these types of diplomatic meetings--that wouldn't endanger this country and/or its citizens at all.

Any questions?

And now...the rest of the story

Rick Perlstein — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:55:23 -0400

Here's the rest of my answer to my friend who asked me to explain why conservatives are in disarray. Nothing that will be new to longtime readers, who—newbies, too!—are invited to contribute their own reflection in the comments:

1) There has been, by conservatives own self-definition, a "modern conservative movement" at least since the Goldwater campaign of 1964. Ever since, they been explicit and sedulous about their goal: first control the Republican Party, then control the government. In 2001, with Republican control of the presidency, congress, and the federal courts--and conservative control of the Republican Party--for the first time since the inauguration of the movement, for the first time, and on their own terms, conservatives had a chance to govern. They governed, too, with exceptional popular wind in their sails (at least since 9/11/01), and with the benefit of an extraordinary infrastructure that let them staff the federal government from top to bottom with personnel steeped in the ideas and habits of an extraordinarily self-conscious "conservative movement." This single blunt fact cannot be overstated: here was the first chance in the modern era conservatives have had to prove themselves. And they failed. Imagine if somehow Leon Trotsky had survived and was restored to the leadership of the Kremlin, after generations of "Trotskyists" had built an entire culture around the notion that if only they were in the Kremlin, the revolution would have succeeded. But their reign proved to be shit from start to finish. The psychic wounds would be profound. The disarray, mutual recrimination, confusion, anger, are only to be expected.

2) Consider P.J. O'Rourke's famous joke: "conservatives say government doesn't work, and then they get elected to prove it." Conservatives make much of their movement's plurality, their intellectual divisions. But all the while they united around Ronald Reagan's nostrum from his 1981 inaugural address, "government isn't the solution to our problems, government is the problem." The point is obvious, and frequently stated: people who despise government have trouble governing. But when you look at the question of disarray, the question goes deeper. How to reform "conservatism"? Certain "reformers"--Douthait and Salam, Brooks--say, Stop despising government. But if that's the reform, again, disarray, mutual recrimination, confusion, anger, are only to be expected: it forces an identity crisis. You can't simply turn on a dime against something that was supposed to be a core principle and not suffer wounds.

3) A culture of bad faith and cheap grace. I presume you saw my review of Edwards' book:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/01/AR200805...

Note how Edwards seems to have comforted himself all these years with a "fact" that is simply untrue: that the line-item veto--and, by implication, the imperial presidency itself--was something liberal Democrats, not conservatives, supported. Nearly every conservative has some version of this--some way of saying that if self-identified conservatives fail or fall short, it's because they're not "really" conservative. But the standards of what is a "conservative" are subjective, shifting, self-contradictory, and always self-serving. A conservative will always give himself the out of saying "conservatism has never been tried." The culture feeds off its own refusals of personal intellectual responsibility.

Bills Come Due

Rick Perlstein — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:30:53 -0400

A friend recently asked me to summarize why conservatives seem to be in such disarray these days. I listed four reasons, in separate paragraphs; "BIlls come due," was how I began the fourth:

Much of what conservatives do in power--or, if not in power, much of the way conservatives use minority power to obstruct--involves starving public goods in a way that feels good in the present (low taxes!) with consequences only apparent in the future. To take a blunt example, the waste-water infrastructure built during America's great postwar era of public investment was designed to last fifty years. Tax-cut mania coincided with the precise moment that those fifty years are up. So America is falling apart. Why conservative disarray? I imagine that on some level conservatives grasp these consequences.

Never forget the D-minus, as I always remind loyal readers. Now (h/t Atrios) the mainstream media is starting to get the picture. Best quote: "Everybody is drinking somebody else's waste water." Best seven-word rebuke of the threadbare ideology of pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps conservatism I've ever heard.

The Pumafinks, Part 2: The Movie

Rick Perlstein — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:26:54 -0400

Do these guys look like Democrats to you?

Don't Let Anyone Question Your Patriotism

Isaiah J. Poole — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:38:53 -0400

It is a shame that Sen. Barack Obama's speech on patriotism Monday in Independence, Mo., was overshadowed by yet another false controversy, this time over the appropriateness of comments by retired general Wesley Clark about Sen. John McCain's qualifications for the presidency. (For the record: When Clark says, "I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president,'' he's right. There. I said it.)

But, perhaps in a perverse way, it underscores the importance of one of the points that Obama made: Our political disagreements over the direction of the country and who is best qualified to lead it in the right direction should never be used as a weapon to question our love for this country. In fact, the willingness to be intensely engaged in the struggle to being this nation closer to its ideals is the very mark of a patriot.

That's why a campaign we're launching today at the Campaign for America's Future is so important. We're focusing on Fox News Channel, which has a long record of mocking progressives as being less patriotic than conservatives, and telling them: You don't have a monopoly on patriotism, and it's time to stop attacking patriotic Americans simply because you don't agree with them.

We're also asking you to tell Fox News, and us, what it means to be a patriot. There is space for a short message on the petition form, or you can click the comment link at the end of this post and write a longer reflection. We'll be highlighting these comments during the Fourth of July holiday.

To the extent that Obama's speech got television news press attention, it was because of his statement that "I will never question the patriotism of others in this campaign. And I will not stand idly by when I hear others question mine." But the context around that statement is important:

it is worth considering the meaning of patriotism because the question of who is – or is not – a patriot all too often poisons our political debates, in ways that divide us rather than bringing us together. ... [T]hroughout our history, men and women of far greater stature and significance than me have had their patriotism questioned in the midst of momentous debates. Thomas Jefferson was accused by the Federalists of selling out to the French. The anti-Federalists were just as convinced that John Adams was in cahoots with the British and intent on restoring monarchal rule. Likewise, even our wisest Presidents have sought to justify questionable policies on the basis of patriotism. Adams’ Alien and Sedition Act, Lincoln’s suspension of habeas corpus, Roosevelt’s internment of Japanese Americans – all were defended as expressions of patriotism, and those who disagreed with their policies were sometimes labeled as unpatriotic.

In other words, the use of patriotism as a political sword or a political shield is as old as the Republic.

Obama later turned to the use and abuse of patriotic language in the post-9/11 era:

Beyond a loyalty to America’s ideals, beyond a willingness to dissent on behalf of those ideals, I also believe that patriotism must, if it is to mean anything, involve the willingness to sacrifice – to give up something we value on behalf of a larger cause. For those who have fought under the flag of this nation – for the young veterans I meet when I visit Walter Reed; for those like John McCain who have endured physical torment in service to our country – no further proof of such sacrifice is necessary. ... For the rest of us – for those of us not in uniform or without loved ones in the military – the call to sacrifice for the country’s greater good remains an imperative of citizenship. Sadly, in recent years, in the midst of war on two fronts, this call to service never came. After 9/11, we were asked to shop. The wealthiest among us saw their tax obligations decline, even as the costs of war continued to mount. Rather than work together to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and thereby lessen our vulnerability to a volatile region, our energy policy remained unchanged, and our oil dependence only grew.

When someone makes a comment like the one Michelle Obama made some weeks ago that evoked heated criticism from the right—"For the first time in my life, I am really proud of my country"—it is tragic that the first impulse was not to consider the emotional journey she has traveled as an African-American woman that would lead her to make a statement so mixed with pain and joy, or to consider the journey of the millions of Americans who identified with that comment, but it was to question her, and their, love for this country.

I cannot honestly say, as Cindy McCain said in response to Michelle Obama's remark, that "I have always been proud of my country." But I have always loved it. And I don't think anyone who has been disappointed with the gap between the American ideal and the American reality, and who has fought to close that gap, should have their love for their country belittled. To quote from Obama's speech Monday, "patriotism involves not only defending this country against external threat, but also working constantly to make America a better place for future generations."

The need to resolve how we best do that, and how we unite as a country, has never been more urgent.

Let's tell Fox News and the radical right that from now on, you can disagree with our positions, but you can't question our love and passion for this country and its core values.

Cheney's Greatest Hits!

Rick Perlstein — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:41:11 -0400

Earlier this afternoon I wrote about how "tactically speaking the party of conservatism is more the heir to Watergate than it is to Goldwater." Here's a little tidbit from the archives dug up by Sean Wilentz in his new book The Age of Reagan: A History, 1974-2008: it's May, 1975, and Seymour Hersh of the New York Times has just broke the story of a secret submarine mission inside Soviet territorial waters.

Here's Dick Cheney's handwritten notes on how the Ford administration might proceed next: "go after Hersh papers in his apt."

Our long national nightmare, it would appear, was not quite over.

[To clarify: this would be Mr. Cheney proposing breaking into Seymour Hersh's apartment. Wilentz does indicate that, to Cheney's credit, he thought they should seek a search warrant first. Those were the good old days...]

Pop Quiz

Rick Perlstein — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:53:44 -0400

Here's a pop quiz to help me set up an argument I'd like to make. Please, everyone eyeballing this post, give me in the comments your guess (no cheating!) how much new money for the environment was added to federal spending when Richard Nixon established the Environmental Protection Agency.