Okay seriously...why did I bother?
(Warning: My comments in bold express exasperation)
This was the summary provided in my NY Times daily email:
Dark Dark Dark
By MAUREEN DOWD
We need leaders to help us through our crises, not provide us with crude evaluations of our character.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/22/opinion/22dowd.html?th&emc=th
She was bouncing all over the place. The article seemed to start out as a piece on President Obama. She mentions former President Clinton's statement that our new President needs to spread some hope. She insults the former President for a bit and then moves on the issues with the economy.
She talks about how President Obama hasn't found the "grit" to talk to people about how we're solving our problems in a simple sound-bitey way.
She goes all over the place for a bit about how we have problems and blah, blah, blah, President Obama being surrounded by eggheads has failed to soothe us and he needs to be angry (or something).
Then she flips around and attacks the Attorney General's statements on America's unwillingness to talk about race. She basically calls him a coward back for not standing up to Clinton about Marc Rich and then goes off on how we don't need leaders preaching to us about morals.
"Yet Obama is oozing empathy compared with his attorney general, who last week called us “a nation of cowards” about race. "
"Eric Holder, who showed precious little bravery in standing up to Clinton on a pardon for the scoundrel Marc Rich, is wrong. We have just inaugurated a black president who installed a black attorney general"
If you read her words about having just elected a black President who appointed a black Attorney Generaly she is clearly implying that we are "past" the race thing.
If you think I'm reading too far into it this is her next to last line.
"Barack Obama’s election was supposed to get us past that."
The last line talks about how the President needs to save his passion for other things...after, early in the OP-ED, lamenting the fact that he hasn't gotten angry because she thinks he's trying to avoid the sterotype of the "angry black man."
I'm not sure if she actually read or heard Eric Holder's comments. I also don't understand what the heck the purpose of this Op-Ed was.
You know, I didn't really believe there were actually people who believed that problems of race (and class) were going to be mystically resolved on November 5th but it appears I was wrong.
I'm also pretty sure the issues of race aren't just black and white. It's also Asian, Hispanic, Native, and all other shades of America. He was confronting the myth of the American "Melting Pot."
This is a completely erractic and nonsensical Op-Ed...and I seriously regret having polluted my mind with it.
Maybe it's because I'm in the military and we do have frank discussion about...everything including race.
Perhaps it has escaped people's notice that this overblown reaction implies the topic remains taboo and something people DON'T want to talk about...which is an even better reason to do so.
I have to give up on you Maureen Dowd. Your ongoing behaviour is giving me a headache.
This Op-Ed at WaPo is way more my speed: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/20/AR2009022003643.html)
Siobhan
Kabul, Afghanistan 22 February 2009, 1538pm
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Comments
jo
Did you even read my post? Self pity? "Eric the Red"? So Eric Holder is the Norse Viking who discovered America? Oh! That was a lame communist joke.
I believe I pointed out that there is more than just black and white in America.
It's nice that you bring up other countries ( I have lived in the UK, Iraq, and Afghanistan...and did all the other necessary traveling one does when one is young and able) but I'm talking about America.
Also why are you pointing out that President Obama is half white (as if I didn't know that). The quotes were from Ms. Dowd's article. Aside from all that...in American Black + Any Other Race = Black. LOL, this is not something new.
One of the significant campaign promises President Obama made was to put an American Indian in a Cabinet position.
If we were "past" it then that wouldn't be of note.
Progress is not based on a few boxes being checked off (President: Check, Secretary of State: Check, Attorney General: Check).
It's about moving forward as a people.
Stating my opinion on Maureen Dowd's article implying that race is an issue of the past justifies you to tell me to go to hell?
By the way who's hell? You see I'm humanist and don't really ascribe to those beliefs.
"Look forward to the future with realistic goals" So hoping the myth of America as a melting pot becomes reality isn't looking toward the future?
What an interesting point of view. Not one I would dare admit to in public but eh...to each his own.
I think Jo may not have posted or commented much(don't know and have not done any looking) but might be on OS just to mess with you.
Yes, your review of Dowd is right on and as a writer she can be extremely egocentric and just plain weird.
Jo . . . I am not the greatest Christian but even when undergoing the most trying of circumstances Jesus did not say, "Go to hell." It is wrong to say that in general and more wrong to say that my friend whom I respect for her intellect, kindness, and guts. She is writing from Afghanistan. Show some respect.
Maureen Dowd has been all over the place the last few years. This post was just me giving up on her and acknowledging in the future to just read with a bemused air.
I think Dorinda is right about jo. WTH?
Maureen Dowd's writing often makes me feel tired. She always goes all over the place, as you described. I tend to soak up every word of Frank Rich on Sundays and I skip her more often than not. (Or is she on Saturday's now?)
I'm not sure if you've sent your response to the Times. If not, I hope you do. You're right on the mark.
(So glad I found you here!)
I recall reading someone else's critique of Dowd a few months ago and I remember nodding my head but this just takes the cake.
Doesn't everyone remember all the posts and discussion about there being no overnight cure for race relations?
If getting elected to the Presidency resolves all issues we need a Female, Asian, Native/Indian, and a ton of other people to get elected President.
To clarify, I'm agnostic humanist. My family is Christian and Muslim but I've found that though I don't know what comes next I KNOW I have to this life and I have to do the best with it I can.
re your visit from the oh so pleasant justin offalius i'd have to agree with dorinda and waking; trolls like him seem to be appearing more and more in OS these days. usually my own reaction is to grimace with momentary regret then gingerly step around them, much as you'd do with a mound of fresh doggy poo on the sidewalk.
I just don't know what she was thinking at all. I'm all for being positive and hopeful but is no wave of a magic wand that is going to solve these issues. Only honest and open discourse with the actions to back it up.
Did you catch the post about my person of choice being Canadian and how we can't destroy Toronto because his family lives there?
and yes, we'll do what we can to spare Toronto, but there're no guarantees.
I agree with your post, we've come a long way baby ....... but we still have a ways to go.
I really really want to see Native Americans in political office , for one thing.
@ Peaches: Getting Native Americans in office is very important and I'm, personally, very pleased about that campaign pledge.
We have moved forward but we have a LONG way to go. I just look forward to getting there together.
Hits veeeeeeery close to home. Marijuana gets to hold onto a strange taboo status ...$230 billion spent each year, 22-60 million pounds cultivated, 50-80 million consumers and little or no discussion of anything other than when a college kid with a bunch of gold medals hits a bong at a frat party.
So hear you....thanks!
Hipployta
"You know, I didn't really believe there were actually people who believed that problems of race (and class) were going to be mystically resolved on November 5th but it appears I was wrong."
I'm with you, partially, on this. I really didn't think people would come together the way they did for the election. I was wrong too. BUT, Americans are very short-sighted and fickle for the most part, so I still hold my breath for the day there is a sustained progress in the right direction.
People are people, as varied as the plethora of cultures in the world. While Obama seems like the knight on the proverbial white horse now, time will truly be his ally, or his enemy.
Let's hope it's his ally. His heart and vision are our hopes and dreams.
RATED for the wisdom
Obviously this troll is mentally unbalanced. Look at the venom he spewed and over what may I ask? And of course, we had to be treated to the Obama is half white comment....if no one knew who he was, he would be treated like any other black man on the street....but since he's president, they must claim that he's (you know) not really black.
I'm really over it. Eric Holder was right. We are afraid to talk about race because it's so darn uncomfortable to do so. Until we get honest about it, we will continue to be a fractured nation bandaged together by well meaning but misguided citizens who want to sweep things under the rug instead of facing them. Great post as usual, S! Rated for honesty and clarity.
About the troll: I think they serve a valuable public service. They show us the musty corners of the dark, twisted minds we're up against, and they're putting otherwise secretly held irrational resentments out there. Sort of canary in a coal mine, as it were.
I'm seeing a lot more nastiness leaking out as the economy tanks and the previously comfortable are feeling threatened.
I haven't read MoDo since she started to go bonkers during the primaries.
Great to see you as always!
I'm beginning to get the sense that journalists are suffering a kind of PTSD concerning their industry. There have been so many casualties. I can't but believe they are reflecting their own trauma sometimes on our world today. It's just a glimmer, but I think Dowd reflects that sense of loss, dislocation and grief in journalism today.
I commend you for your service in Afghanistan. (And for putting up with full chem gear!) And yes, the military is the only American 'workplace' where racism is dealt with intelligently and without tolerance for too much abuse.
As for the trolls, they get better than they give here. I like OS and look forward to more of your writings.
And let me add my sincere thanks for your service. Dowd should spend a few days in the real world with you instead of primping and pimping in her ivory tower.
While magic disappearance of the problems of race and class didn't disapear November 5th, the opportunity for sternly opening the door to an honest conversation did happen, and I am glad to be here having it with you.
Thank you every day for what you do. Come home safe.
Also, I'm sorry you got such a hard time with that first response. That level of emotional venom always makes me very suspicious...why so vicious? Hope you gave it only the two-seconds of your life it deserves. Looks like a lot of people agree with you.
Stay safe.
@ Bill: It’s interesting that you write about that. I just read a blog on HuffPo(?) about America’s state of denial. How we refuse to hear or listen to any bad news until we absolutely no choice. In discussing racism and baseball I remember the argument over the “Latino-Focus” of the Yankees. The conversation is not done but for people behave as it’s over is out of this world.
@ Junk: Ah, thank you. I shall keep that in mind and avoid the pollution.
@ Freedom: It would seem there are alot of things America won’t talk about. Perhaps a suggestion of bravery in our general conversation would be more appropriate. Mayhap we should have a blog series here about what America just doesn’t talk about?
@ Bob: I see your point though I am glad we came together. I had a great time in the crowd at the Inauguration when I was on leave from Afghanistan. As a country we are INCREDIABLY short sighted. That is a problem when the rest of the world, seemingly, remembers everything forever. Our foreign policy over the last few decades just makes me cringe…especially the last 8 years.
@ One: I just don’t understand the fear but hopefully we’re moving towards a place where this won’t be an issue. It’s not just black and white, of course, but that’s going to be at the forefront.
@ Americain: I’ll be sure to check it out. It’s about 638am here so I have just started my day.
@ Verbal: Canary in the coal mine…hmm. I suppose they provide someone to sharpen my wit on. I do expect more nastiness to emerge but I hope they read the posting first LOL. She did start going bonkers during the primary. I think the only thing I noted about her then was when she got kicked off the McCain jet. It’s nice to see you as well.
@ Token: Well, that’s your opinion and you’re allowed to it the same as I am to mine. I found her piece to be erratic and completely out of touch with reality. President Obama could not wave his hand and end all issues of racism…or discrimination for that matter. The end of racism involves a change in our thinking as an American people. We’ve taken steps but the journey is no where near complete.
@ DF33: PTSD…perhaps journalism as a whole is suffering from the losses but Ms. Dowd has been behaving like this for quite some time. Perhaps her more out there articles do reflect that though.
@ Myriad: If she was just being provocative to get attention then that makes it even worse because then she doesn’t even believe what she’s writing but is probably influencing others. Limbaugh Syndrome is horrid and debilitating to any sense of logic and consistency one may have (I don’t understand why anyone listens to that guy).
@ Joan: I didn’t even touch the headline. I was hoping it was some sort of reference to former President Clinton’s suggestion that President Obama display more hope but then she took all sorts of potshots at Clinton so I was left in doubt. It seemed she was not thinking or was being deliberately provocative. In any case “ick” is the word.
On another note it would seem you picked up the switch in the letters of my name.
@ Zuma: Well, I think I’ll just read her on occasion with caution and a bemused smile so I can keep up on the craziness. I love the “magnetic buzzwords on her fridge” comment. I actually not in chem gear. My goggles look that way because they are so HUGE. I wear glasses and I misplaced my prescription tactical eyewear so it’s going to be glasses and goggles until I get annoyed enough to buy another set. You must be former military. Zero-tolerance is the way to go. On another note that’s why think “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” is a ridiculous policy. People know and live openly so it might as well be in the open and ALL should be allowed to serve. If the leadership sets the policy then the military will enforce it and follow (though there will be issues I’m positive of that).
@ Suede: You are correct. It does not signify so new level of openness. The election of President Obama could just as easily signify that America is tired of incompetence. A generational change is in the works with our children and young adults but we have to address it as a nation.
@ Sally: That’s my plan for reading Dowd: read just to see what the new view I can’t agree with is. Thank you for the support.
@ Stellaa: Instead of convincing you I think I’m reaffirming what you already knew right?
@ Mary: Hmm, I didn’t think about it that way. It seems to be opening up her up for more ridicule too. After reading your comment I’m thinking that since I got a headache, from reading her column and felt the need to write this to vent, it may very well be necessary for my healthy, or sanity, to stop reading her.
@ Psychomama: LOL well you know how us Amazon Queens love wrecking havoc. Hmm, I really think a writing series on topic Americans don’t talk about could be good. It would have to be done by better writers than me though (Hey Saturn).
@ Susanne: Well let’s have that party! I think that’s what Holder was saying and what has been previously said...the time for honest discourse is now. Thank you for the support.
@ Kirsten: Well, I think I’m done with reading her as a serious journalist but will continue to do so on occasion to see what’s being thought and said in her version of the world. That person never came back so I think everyone’s point of it being a random troll is valid. Thank you for your support.
Okay…wow. Thank you so much for all the responses and I truly appreciate the concern for my safety. I’ll “see” you guys in a little over 70 days.
Dowd?! Always an ick-factor. I began to give up on her several election cycles ago. It might have been when she compared the democratic field (of some serious candidates) to the Seven Dwarves.
I'd rather compare her to Judith Miller than to Coulter, if only because we pretty much know where Coulter stands. Both Miller and Dowd supposedly work for "liberal" papers (or at least Miller once did) but they each have their own weird agendas.
I am interested in pursuing the genesis of Mr. Holder's statement, so will toddle along and do that now. Thanks to Mr. BBeck for leading me here, to you.
Just in: Offal?
Just in: All of us?
Just in: Awful us?
There may be a modus; don't worry about the operandi.
And Sio can take care of herself.
she was dumped by Michael Douglas in favor of Catherine
Zeta-Jones.
@ Dakini: Should I feel bad about laughing at your comments?
I like this avatar much better. If this is you, you're a fox
@ Bob: Yes, that's me. I was just about to change it because I don't really like how blurry I look. Thank you for the compliment LOL.