Wiston Papers

It's that time again.  And the champion is...

“I think you should try our Ethiopia Washed Yirgacheffe Aroma Roast,” waitress Beverly advised looking at John.

Glancing my way she suggested, “And a Bourban Variety of Arabica woud be just your cup of tea.”

“Aren’t we mixing metaphors?” I wondered.

“I’ve crunched the numbers and they all work out,” John announced.

“And these would be numbers for what?”  I asked cautiously.

“The big game of course,” John looked at me surprisingly.  “The BCS championship game in college football.”

“Oh, yes, the Bogus Championship Series,” I grunted.

“Not Bogus...Bowl Championship...it’s Bowl Championship,” John corrected.

“It should be the Bull.... Championshp Series because it’s always Alabama,” I complained.

“Well, ‘Bama did play last year...” John admitted.

“Yeah, they played a team  they lost to earlier in the regular season.  How dumb is that?” I argued.  “And they’ve already lost a game this year.  So it’s dumb and dumber.”

“Uh...OK...but...”

“The Broken Championship Series doesn’t consider any other teams with similar records.  Nope, it’s always got to be the Crimson Tide,”  I raised my voice, took a big swallow of Arabica, and glared.

“I know that it seems like that, but...”

“Let’s count the other one-loss teams,” I began.  “There’s Kansas State, but they won’t play for the Braindead Championship Series national title because they’re not Alabama (MAKING THE QUOTE SIGN WITH MY HANDS).”

“True, but...”

“And the Blunderhead Championship Series won’t consider Oregon because they’re not Alabama (MAKING THE QUOTE SIGN WITH MY HANDS).”

"It could be..."

“Florida has only one loss, but the Blockheaded Championship Series won’t choose them because they’re not Alabama (MAKING THE QUOTE SIGN WITH MY HANDS).”

“I think the reason for that is...”

Kent State is 11-1 but the Befuddled Championship Series won’t pick them because they’re not Alabama (MAKING THE QUOTE SIGN WITH MY HANDS).”

“Um...maybe it's...”

“What about Northern Illinois?” I challenged.  “It has only a single loss.  But the Bewildered Championship Series wouldn’t dare choose them because they’re not Alabama (MAKING THE QUOTE SIGN WITH MY HANDS).”

“But their conference is not as...”

“Yes, yes, I know.  The Division 1 football conferences,” I began.  “You have the Big 12 but it has only 8 teams.  The name represents more hope than achievement.”

“You have to understand that...”

“And you’re a fan of the Big 10 and it’s soon-to-be 14 teams.  But the name reflects the average intellectual level of the schools...none can count higher than 10.”

“Wait a minute,...”

“The Pac-12 actually has 12 members.  But probably because one of its schools, Stanford, has more Nobel Laureats that all the other conferences combined.  The Nobel winners probably helped the league  count its universities and then rename the conference accordingly.”

“Look,” John tried to counter “the national championship is really just...”

“A beauty contest is the phrase you’re looking for,” I interrupted.  Until the Bland Championship Series is really serious and has a playoff system, it’s always going to be just a mythical title.”

“In fact, they are,” John brightened.  “Next year there will be a four-team playoff and...”

“Four teams you say.  And the Boorish Championship Series will make sure that one of them is Alabama,” I criticized.

“Well, you two certainly had a lively conversation.  It must have been the coffee specials,” Beverly guessed as she refilled our cups a final time and dropped the bill on the table.

“Yes, my Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Aroma Roast was delicious,” John agreed.

“My Bourbon Arabica had an oddly familiar flavor that I can’t quite place,” I puzzled.

“Oh, I thought you’d like it.  It’s a domestic blend...from Alabama.”

Steve Coon

November 26, 2012

Wiston Papers

Happy Thanksgiving Day 2012

I’ve worked and lived in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America during my professional career.  And I enjoy the travel, exposure to different cultures, and interaction with a variety of wonderful people. I understand why people around the world are proud of their homelands.   Here are a few reasons I'm thankful for mine.

I’m thankful for the abundance of natural resources that fuel our economic growth, feed our citizens, clothe our children, and provide housing and safe shelter.

I’m thankful for our democracy that can survive the acrimony of protracted partisan political debates with  a peaceful transition between governments and elected officials.

I’m thankful for our  military men and women who endure physical and psychological hardships for long periods away from home in order to keep America safe for the rest of us.

I’m thankful for the quality and availability of health care--especially for our elderly and most desperately ill.

I’m thankful for our schools and the teachers who spend long hours with little pay trying to inspire the next generation of Americans with the social values and intellectual skills necessary to maintain this nation’s preeminence.

I’m thankful for our police officers, fire fighters and other emergency personnel who sacrifice their holidays and weekends to protect our lives and property.

I’m thankful for the countless Americans who are willingly volunteer to travel thousands of miles to help their fellow residents who are suffering from the catastrophes of natural and man-made disasters like 9/11, Katrina and Sandy.

As we give thanks this year for all blessings, let’s remember all those Americans who are hard at work on this holiday to make sure that the rest of us can enjoy the day.  

America is a great nation for many reasons.  Not the least of which is the spirit of our families, friends and neighbors.

These a few of the reasons I’m thankful.  I know each of you has your own list.

Steve Coon

November 21, 2012

Wiston Papers

A new role for public education

Each year tens of thousands of American children are lost.  Young people are disappearing at an alarming rate and there appears to be little sense of urgency by our leaders to rescue them.  

Unless we take immediate resolute steps, we will lose our future, too.  

This nation has abandoned millions  of potentially productive citizens to a life of despair, poverty and dependence.  And every year thousands of young people join their number.

As a former university professor, I am proud that I spent the majority of my career preparing young people for professional lives.  I was buoyed by their enthusiasm, energy, and creativity.  

It’s easy to work with such people when they come to you ready to learn, optimistic about their future, and confident upon graduation  to take the helm of America in coming years.

But our elementary and secondary schools are failing the grade.  Too many children are at risk--especially in large cities--to the pernicious daily threats of drugs, violence, and dysfunctional families.  

I often see the smiling faces of young children in television news stories about early grade school education.  But fast forward only a few years and those smiles are gone, the initial excitement for learning is supplanted by emotionless expressions of resignation, apathy and cynicism.  Why?

It’s time for educators and politicians to step up.  Now is the hour to reinvent public education in America.  I have some suggestions for our elected leaders and school administrators:

First, when making tough budgetary decisions, government should not trim programs that affect education, food, health or employment.  All other areas are on the chopping block.

Second, let’s expand the mission of our public schools.  In addition to teaching the three Rs, teachers should inculcate the  societal values of morality, honesty, public service, discipline, and aspiration.  

Third, our schools can and should help rebuild blighted American neighborhoods.  Just as churches once were viewed as sanctuaries for the downtrodden, today’s public schools should be a beaon for hope and achievement.  Let’s turn on the lights and open the schoolroom doors 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  

As midnight basketball has helped get young men and women off dangerous streets, 24/7 classrooms can provide safety and nurturing for young children who desperately need help and protection.

Four, let’s invest money and talent in the nation’s poorest schools.  Provide financial incentives for America’s best teachers to spend at least two years in the worst neighborhoods.  

Hire America’s returning servicemen and women to provide security both at the school door, in classes, and in the hallways/bathrooms of our schools.

Equip every school in every poor neighborhood with the  best educational hardware and software.  

Link poor schools with their wealthier counterparts via teleconferences and online classrooms.

Five, involve the parents in their children’s education  through adult remedial courses and skills training.  At-risk children often come from dysfunctional families where a culture of and respect for education is absent.  

We can reverse that by making our schools social- and community-based environments as well as learning centers.

If we’re serious about education in this country, we need our schools to become the center of our communities.  They should represent safe harbors for families and play a wider role in the lives of the neighborhood than simply teaching basic skills of reading writing and arithmetic.  

Once we see public education as an opportunity rather than an obligation, we can begin to save our children before they are lost.   

To those who ask where do we find the money?  How can we afford this?   I say simply.  Don’t raise obstacles; open paths of opportunities. If we’re serious about education in America, we can find the resources.  The commitment comes first.   

Steve Coon

November 15, 2012

Wiston Papers

What to make of such despicable behavior?

John plopped unhappily into his chair for our weekly coffee and I awaited his opening salvo.

“Boys, we have two fine specials today,” waitress Beverly cheerfully promoted.  “Guatemala Antigua and Kenya Double-A.  What can I do you for?”

“The Guatemala sounds inviting,” I replied.

“I’ll go with the African brew after this week’s public disgrace,” grumbled John.

“I agree completely, John.  It was despicable.”

“Absolute betrayal of public confidence.”

“Truly outrageous,” I concurred but somewhat consoled by the pleasant flavor of my Guatemala Antigua.

“How do men like that think they can get away with such actions?”

“Good question.  It will always catch up to them,” I shook my head.

“There’s simply no acceptable excuse.”

“It’s disgraceful and unforgivable,” I agreed but enjoying the exquisite sensation on my tongue.

“How can they face their wives?”

“They always seem to stand by their man,” I wondered.

“We have such high expectations of these guys and then they fail us,”  John shook his head and sipped his Kenya coffee slowly.

“There must be some answer,” I hoped.

“You’re right.  What an embarrassment.”

“The blatant disrespect for us is insulting,” I mustered outrage.

“We should clean house and start over from scratch.”

“Well, we had our chance last week but blew it,” I now complained.

“What do you mean?” John stopped in mid-swallow and looked at me.

“The election last week, of course,” I clarified.  “We could have elected a new Congress, President and people who would not have appointed cheaters like CIA Director David Petraeus.”

“What are you talking about?” puzzled John.

“Petraeus, of course.  He admitted he had an extra-marital affair and resigned as CIA director,”  I stared at John.  “What were you talking about?”

“I didn’t know about Petraeus,” admitted John.  “I’m complaining about the pitiful loss by the Chicago Bears to the Houston Texans in Sunday’ Night’s NFL football game.”

“What?”  as my jaw dropped open.  “You’re outraged by a...a...a football game instead of a possible breach of national security and betrayal of public trust?”

“Well, the breach in the Bears defensive line was certainly a betrayal,”  John groaned.

“Men will be men,” Beverly said as she dropped off the check and refilled our cups for the final time.  “They always dissappoint.”

“But...but...,”  We both attempted to interject.

“They should man up,” argued Beverly. “You fellas can show a good example by improving your behavior right now by slapping down a decent tip for a change.”

Steve Coon

November 13, 2012

Wiston Papers

Outrageous behavior and unacceptable reactions

Sadly, we once again have a public official who has disgraced his job and betrayed his marital vows through moral and ethical lapse.

CIA Director David Petraeus resigned suddenly this week citing an extramarital affair.  His resignation was an appropriate step.

Equally sad, however, is the reaction of California Senator Dianne Feinstein.   Her comment implies that such Bill Clintonesque misbehavior is of no consequence and should be ignored rather than condemned.  

 

Such betrayal by Petraeus and comments by Feinstein are an insult to American taxpayers who deserve better behavior and moral resolve from their public servants.

The latter are not evident in either the actions of Gen. Petraeus or his defense by Ms. Feinstein.

Why do we allow such egregious decisions by our public servants to cloud their judgment and obstruct the work or office for which we elected them or  to which they were appointed?

The list of miscreants is long:  

*  President John F. Kennedy cheated on his wife, Jacqueline, numerous times.

*  Former Colorado Senator Gary Hart challenged reporters to “watch me” if they suspected any misbehavior.  They did and found him with Donna Rice.

*    Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich had a liaison with a Senate staff member.

*    Former Senator and Vice Presidential candidate John Edwards strayed from his wife even as she was dying from cancer.

*    Vice President Al Gore separated from wife, Tipper, shortly after his affair was revealed.

*  Senator John Ensign was seeing the wife of a staff member before being forced to resign from office.

*   South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford was missing from office as he sought to “find himself,” which he did with his Argentine mistress.

*  California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was bedding the nanny of his children.

*    New York Governor Eliot Spitzer was prone with prostitutes.

*   President Bill Clinton had a series extramarital sexcapades with Monica Lewinsky, Genifer Flowers and Paula Jones.

Too often these sexual adventures are excused by observers or apologists who claim they are private affairs.  Nonsense.

Our public servants have no private lives.  They are elected by us, paid by us, and work for us.  Their every waking moment should be an open book and every moment they should be engaged in activities that improve the nation’s welfare.

The men above betrayed our trust, violated their contractual obligation with voters, reneged on their marital vows, and deserve our condemnation and outrage.  Anything short of that reaction is unacceptable.

As I wrote here prior to the national elections, the U.S.A. can have a better government than this.  Unfortunately, we all too often choose persons whose behavior tarnishes their office and accept excuses that insult us. Both the Petraeus actions and Feinstein comment prove my argument.

Steve Coon

November 10, 2012

Wiston Papers

All Power to the Incumbents!

The results of last night’s national elections in the United States once again proved the long-held political axiom--the incumbents win.

Although by a narrow popular vote, President Obama was reelected to another term.  Membership in both chambers of Congress remained virtually unchanged.

Before last night’s vote, the U.S. Senate comprised 51 Domocrats, 47 Republicans and 2 Independents.  In January the Democrats will continue to control the Senate by a ratio of 55-45.

The House of Representatives was in Republican hands prior to Tuesday’s vote; it will stay that way next year.  The GOP enjoyed a 242-193 advantage in the old Congress and will remain in charge 226-184.  A handful of races is still undecided as I write.  But even if all are won by the Democrats, the Republicans will still control the House.

For decades American voters return their representatives to the House of Representatives more than 90 percent of the time.  The Senate races are sometimes a little more volatile.  Nevertheless, in the last 50 years incumbent Senators have been reelected at a rate of 83 percent.

Barely two months ago a Gallup Poll showed that only 34 percent of American surveyed have faith in Congress--one of the lowest percentages on record.

Although we don’t trust them, we continue to reelect the same men and women.  How do we explain this contradiction?  Is it inertia, apathy, resignation or stupidity?  I suspect it’s a little of each.  Voters seem to believe that their representative or senator is doing a good job.  It’s the other congressional members who are the problem.  

In January 2013 when Mr. Obama walks into the Oval Office again and  Congress returns, it will be like a television rerun.

Imagine the program opening with the announcer saying emotionally, “Previously in Washington, Congress and the President were in bitter partisan dispute over several economic crises.  The nation was on the abyss of national debt, a solution to the housing foreclosures was at a standstill, and millions of American seeking work were jobless and in despair.”

If for some reason you missed the  last four years, don’t worry.  It will all be repeated between 2013 and 2017.

But that’s all right.  It’s what America wants, right?  I guess so.  After all we  voted for the same cast of characters--even if we don’t trust them.

Steve Coon

November 07, 2012

Wiston Papers

Who to watch for election results?  It doesn't really matter.

All the national news media are trying to get you to watch their coverage tonight of today’s presidential election.  

These news organizations are marshaling an army of star anchors and experienced reporters to fan out across the nation to bring you the most accurate, up-to-the minute results.  

In one of the most tightly contested presidential elections since the Bush-Gore campaign at the turn of the century, millions of Americans are anxious to know the outcome.   It’s a tough decision to pick the network best prepared to deliver the first definitive results:

ABC News will have the always breathless, over-the-top, sensationalistic-prone Diane Sawyer leading a team of professionals sure to know the answers.  Her partner will be former Bill Clinton White House strategist George Stephanopoulos who will provide his usual Washington insight.   Barbara Walters will give us much-wanted history instead of her celebrity interviews.

CBS News Anchor Scott Pelley will bring solemnity to coverage befitting the Tiffany Network’s decades-old reputation for seriousness and accuracy.  That was before Dan Rather and Katie Couric, of course.  Nevertheless, with Bob Schieffer matching historical anecdotes with ABC’s Barbara Walters, you have a clear option.

NBC News relies on veteran Brian Williams as usual. The only anchor of the Big Three networks to have covered the Presidential Election Big Dance four years ago.  He will be joined by newcomer Samantha Guthrie, Meet The Press host David Gregory, and former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw.  Brokaw, Schieffer and Walters have all been around the block often enough that they should give us more presidential history than we can absorb.  It's too close to call.

The cable networks want to persuade you of their superior election prowess.  CNN will front its coverage with anchors Wolf Blitzer and Anderson Cooper.  There will be at least ten studio analysts to provide analysis and opinions.  It should be enlightening.

Fox News will rely on Bret Baier and Megyn Kelly conservatively speaking.  Of course, if you were concerned about the ideological leanings of the network, the fact that Chris Wallace and Brit Hume. Bill O’Reilly and Greta Van Susteren will all be on hand should put your minds at ease.

MSNBC relies on liberal Rachel Maddow to anchor its coverage.  She’s be able to share some of her duties with news personalities from sister network NBC.

PBS offers the only female co-anchors to lead its broadcasts: Gwen Ifill and Judy Woodruff.  But the males are represented by historians Michael Beschloss and Richard Norton Smith.  Remember, this is public television using your taxpayers’ money.  You can tune in to see your dollars hard at work.

All these news organization claim that they will provide the most accurate, complete, current presidential election results.

Not true.

The fact is every one of these networks relies on the same two sources for all its information:  The Associated Press and Edison Research.  The so-called National Election Pool.

By agreement among AP and all the aforementioned networks, every news organization is fishing from the same pond.  

In other words, it makes no difference who you watch this evening for results of the presidential election 2012.   The information will be the same; all from the same two sources.

That said, just watch the news personalities you like.  None of them can truly promise to give you more accurate information than their competition.  

The only difference will be who you think is more entertaining.

Steve Coon

November 06, 2012