I've got a hot flash for the political pundits who anchor debates. They aren't about you! They're about the candidates. Now I know you all love the sound of your own voices. That's apparent from watching your daily shows where you don't let guests have their say so you can pontificate. Especially when the guest has a different point of view.
But to take up a third of the allotted time so you can "frame" your questions is ridiculous. Face it, those watching this first debate were there for one of two reasons. One to see Donald Trump. Two to hear what the candidates had to say, not you. We viewers already know the issues. You don't have to patronize us with your "depth of understanding" which is usually lacking at best anyway.
A note to the ladies, especially Ms. Kelly. If you want to be taken seriously you might try dressing like a professional. Many nights you look like you're on your way out to the streets after your broadcast. C'mon. If you want to be a model or something different, television "news" isn't the proper venue.
I know. Professionalism isn't what it was when I was a young working woman. There are, however, those of us who will judge you on yours never-the-less. All things being cyclical, professionalism will return.
If you need an example, it isn't the fashionably challenged Hillary Clinton nor Ms. Kelly. Take a good look at Carly Fiorina. She reeks class and professionalism. Take a lesson.
There are two elements for successful theater. Those who can - and the audience. I am audience but one of the best - I can out laugh and clap with the best of them!
Yesterday we drove 8 hours total to take in a performance of "Chicago" at the Cutler Brothers theater in Hub's home town of Deer Lodge, Montana. The town of has a storied history but fell on hard times with demise of the Milwaukee RR of which it was a major crew change hub and has been declining ever since. Now it's largest employer is the prison, a growth industry to be sure but not one to make a town flourish.
But Montanans come from sturdy stock and when determined they are a power to be reckoned with. Such it is with Kelly Cutler and his family of theater lovers. And my oh my, what they are doing for Deer Lodge as we witnessed yesterday. We've know Kelly since his high school days when he mowed my in-laws lawn. Even then he was into filming skits starring his brother and doing gigs around town. We've watched the emergence of a young man who I will be prouud to say, "I knew him when..."
Having taken over the town's video store, they converted it into a most serviceable theater that seats I would guess about 125. Tickets were a mere $15. The performance was a sell out plus.
Like Kelly and his family who all have a part, a lot of the talent is home grown and wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. From restaurant owners to prison personnel to high school students to college drama majors they all share a passion for theater. And they are good.
Mr. Cutler can do it all. He's plays a wicked piano, can dance, sing, and of course direct. Perhaps his greatest strength is his ability to draw the best from his actors, no small talent in of itself.
The progress of bringing live theater to small town Montana has been documented by Kelly and the basis for what he'd like to see become a reality show. Isn't it time there's something on the tube for those of us who have a passion for something other than the self-absorbed, mindless drivel that's out there? How about something that shows real creativity, passion other than physical and the march toward success?
I've embedded Kelly's trailer for the concept though it doesn't do justice to what he's accomplished. You can also find more on You Tube.
If anyone who reads this would or could help him get it to the powers that be to move it forward please let me know. Or contact Kelly directly. He's good. Really good.
Otherwise, if you're in the neighborhood, take in a performance. You won't be disappointed.
While speaking before the African Union President Obama patted himself on the back proclaiming that he's been a pretty good president. He went on to say if he ran for a third term he expected he could win.
Other than being totally delusional it creates cause for worry. As he continued with his self congratulations he explained that, alas, he could not run for a third term because the law doesn't allow it. And after all, the law is the law.
Have we heard that before? Before, when he has changed written law on a whim, when he refuses to enforce laws on the books, when he takes matters into his own hands whether or not he's in compliance with the Constitution? Usually always prefaced by saying he couldn't because the law doesn't allow it.
I can't help but wonder if this isn't one of those moments where he's testing the waters to see if he could possibly bypass law, Constitution and the wishes of the people to gain a third term. I hope not but his past history sure set the red flags a flyin'!
Don't even think it Mr. President. Don't even think it.
I don't intend to get in the habit of defending Ted Cruz but today I once again must. I applaud him for calling out Mitch McConnell for what he is.
Oh, the hue and cry! How dare he. The Senate is above such behavior. It has it's dignity you know. Well, they've been hiding behind tradition and false dignity far too long.
How can anyone say with a straight face that while Harry Reid was majority leader that he acted with dignity? Mitch McConnell is a different personality but no less a servant of the gods of power and money.
I'm still waiting for some of these newer members of both houses to show their grit. Some have and done so admirably. Tom Cotton. Trey Gowdy. In his own way, Rand Paul. They're not afraid to speak out for what they believe. Some waffle a bit too much for my taste but are getting there. Others are spot on. Whether or not you agree with them, it is refreshing.
Both house and senate leadership are having difficulty in keeping their members in line. There is a good reason for that. Some of them actually behave as though they were elected to serve the people who elected them rather than the special interests of the leadership. The presidential election aside, it will be interesting to see if more of them step up to the plate.
For the moment we are watching the beginnings of a turning tide. The old war horses are just that and like me are having a difficult time adjusting to new thinking. They resist mightily because they see a future where they are no longer vital and stripped of the power they so enjoy now. As for myself, I'll cheer on any one of them that will put the country first while we still have one.
I'll wrestle with my own ability to adjust to new thinking. I've already conceded the loss of the morality I lived with as I grew up. That counter balances with efforts to prevent unwanted pregnancies leading to ruined lives not to mention lives lost to abortion.
See? I can adjust. So bring it on, ladies and gentlemen, do it for the good of the country as we all see it and I'll cheer you on. Bring it on for your own prejudices without foundation and I will condemn you as Cruz did McConnell.
Don't think for a moment my generation isn't watching!
