Remembering Dr. John Spivack @ Bellevue University

John could tell stories of living in New York City. He lived there as a child and as a college student. Among his friends were Liza Minelli (daughter of Judy Garland) and Artie Garfunkel (Simon and Garfunkel).  “Liza was a lousy kisser” he claimed. John shared adventures that included shuffling up to Harlem to see the most famous jazz musicians in their prime including Miles Davis, Nina Simone, and John Coltrane. But he made sure you knew that vocal recordings by legendary trumpet player Chet Baker were unfit for the human ear. I was awestruck that John not only knew of the musicians I admired but had seen them on a near-weekly basis. He was, for me, a walking, talking encyclopedia of first-hand musical knowledge.

During his formative years, John’s family lived in Orlando. John talked about delivering bootlegged liquor as a teenager. Running from the authorities with a trunk load of bootlegged booze is the impetus for NASCAR. John’s neighbor in Orlando was Frank Schiffman. Schiffman ran Harlem’s Apollo Theatre from 1935 to the late 70s. The Apollo was the center of African American culture during the Harlem Renaissance and there was John, in the proverbial front row, of a cultural revolution.

                                                      

John also shared that he attended college classes with Amitai Etzioni who later became known as America’s foremost Communitarian theorist. Having read, let alone knowing who Etzioni set the table for many a discussion with John. I suppose what drew John and I together was our shared foundation of knowledge and love for all things musical and political. We could nuisance a single point of debate for hours and then, just as passionately, he would besmirch the language of our industry by referring to it as ‘Educationese.’ “Why can they just speak English?” he would ask and then laugh that laugh.

One summer John and I came to the office every day. Me, because I didn’t know any better and John because he had nothing better to do. Because he walked with a cane, John made a sort of clicking noise as he walked down the hall. Whenever I heard that clicking, I knew he was coming down the hall.

There were two courses that John took great pride in: baseball and the Holocaust. Each was an extension of his personality: one made him joyful while the other served as penitence. There were times when teaching the Holocaust and then grading the papers, re-reading of the horrors of genocide, wore him out. John regretted not having been more involved in the Civil Rights marches in the 1960s. He felt he had shirked the blows that other’s willing accepted: that he had no red badge of courage. On some level, teaching about man’s inhumanity to man during the Holocaust seemed to be John’s way of making up for sitting out, in his view, the important societal struggles of the 1960s. While John could be mean and judgmental, he had buckets of character. He wanted to be the guy that was known for punching up.

If there was one person on campus for whom John held his highest level of disregard, it was Ed Rauchut. I never really knew Sandy until I came to Bellevue University but my mom had been the preschool Sp-Ed teacher for Ed’s special needs daughter, Evy. When Garrison Keillor (NPR’s Prairie Home Companion) mentioned Ed’s course, ‘Rush (Limbaugh) is Right,’ I was equally happy to be at arm’s length from Ed’s neocon politics…I mean his PhD was in Shakespeare for Pete’s sake!

One day Ed stopped by my office. With cane in hand, John walked across the hallway, stuck his head in my door and asked, in the crassest way possible what Rauchut was doing in my office: totally ignoring Ed in the process . Ed’s reply was equally unrepeatable but it baited John to come in. Their mutual animosity was palatable until Ed mentioned his handicapped daughter Evy.

Later, after Ed had left, John wondered aloud how a man with such awful politics could be such a caring father: he really admired Ed’s care and concern for Evy.

While Ed and John could both be, to put it nicely, stinkers, it wasn’t long before they were friends. Once Ed snuck into my office and called John, who was in the office across the hall. He berated John, as was their custom now, and challenged him in a race to my office (which Ed was already in). John would hurriedly got up and rushed over only to find Ed laughing at the somewhat sophomoric prank he’d pulled. Later, amid discussion, Ed surreptitiously pull out his cellphone and dial John’s office phone. John got up, hobbled across the hall to answer the phone. When he realized Ed’s prank, well, things got salty. The madder John got, the harder we laughed: which only irritated John more. And so it went.  They really ended up loving each other and it was fun to be a part of that.

Once it was the first class of a new semester. John was teaching a history course down the hall. These rooms have two doors: one on the right side and another on the left. Despite being our first class, I convinced the new students that we needed to play a prank on John. Walking in a line, without saying a word, we limboed in one door and out the other. At first John was livid we’d interrupted his carefully prepared remarks but as his students began laughing I could hear John: laughing that laugh.

When I first came to the University, faculty would gather twice a year to approve the slate of graduates. It was a tradition that John would research the grade point averages of each college by sharing which percentage of students who had earned 4.0s. His dripping sarcasm made it feel as though your Granddad was spanking you in public. The first time I attended, I decided I did not like this man! It was later that I realized I had worked with John’s wife Hele for years: with that came a special dispensation into John’s world. Our first real interaction was watching a World Cup Soccer match online in my office. “You actually like this? What! A sport? Is this a real sport?” he asked. I did my best to teach him how to enjoy soccer and he reminded me, “That’s fine but it’s a whole lot easier than hitting a round ball with a round bat” as he argued for the purity of America’s past time.

Although smoking on campus was not allowed, John vaped in his office.

“Can you smell it?”

Even though there was no smell, “I can smell it down the hall” I said. With that, what was left of his eyebrows arched up with impish scheming. Later, I noticed the door was closed completely and a coat was stuffed under the door: clearly a practiced deception. For me, there was an element of sinful joy tormenting him for his worst habits.

As an inside joke, John would affectional refer to me as his Shabbat Goy. Due to his vast collection of aches, pains, and maladies, I would help him navigate slippery snow and ice, and, the occasional obstruction.  There was a time when I was struggling mightily over an issue. It was under-my-skin and John could sense it. I’ll always remember John placing his hand on my arm and resting his head next to mine: no words but the kindness of the gesture defined our friendship.

For a while, John recorded a spoken word series of radio shows referring to himself as The Old Curmudgeon. Each essay was a caustic, biting rant against things he didn’t like, like cable news, overzealous happiness, political and personal dishonesty, and willful thoughtlessness towards others.  There’s John, forever punching up.

I love that guy; he was my mentor, he was my student, he was my friend: and I miss him deeply.

It’s the Economy, Stupid-Diversity & The Good Life.

Nebraska’s “brain drain” is a challenge for employers. With the exception of 2010, about 5,000 residents have annually left the state. Those moving consist largely of two age groups: recent college graduates (25-34) and retirees (55-65+). Specifically, future workers or Young Professionals (YPs) and those taking a lifetime of savings are leaving.

For some time we’ve had the nation’s lowest unemployment rate. However, these are often low-skill, low-income jobs. In addition, Douglas, Sarpy, and Lancaster counties are drawing residents from Nebraska’s other 90 rural counties.

Wednesday morning at five o'clock
As the day begin, silently closing her bedroom door.
Leaving the note that she hoped would say more (She’s Leaving Home, The Beatles)

Recently, Lancaster County Clerk Matt Hansen tweeted, ‘Why are young people moving away and what are can be done to get you to move back?’ Most responses pointed to the toxicity of political extremism including the democracy-destroying effects of Dark-Money on politics. Additional comments noted the lack of diversity and career opportunities. Recently, reports substantiate these concerns.  

She goes down the stairs to the kitchen, clutching her handkerchief.
Quietly turning the backdoor key, stepping outside, she is free

Lacking mountains, oceans, or the entertainment options offered in larger markets, young people understandably want to see the world. But many leave with a round-trip ticket in their pocket. The Boomerang Effect is when college graduates leave only to move back as they enter their child-rearing years. By a large margin, 78% of those leaving reported “professional growth and/or development” was important when deciding to relocate: however, 80% reported that “values or culture of the new community” were either “very” or “moderately important” to their decision. Younger people want to live in communities that place a higher value on diversity and are politically less toxic. Young workers will forego salaries and benefits to work for organizations that demonstrate social responsibility.

She, ... (we gave her most of our lives)
Is leaving (sacrificed most of our lives)
Home (we gave her everything money could buy)

Those moving away are most likely doing so because of a change in marital status or some other family reason, cheaper housing, or to attend college. However, when asked what’s preventing them from moving back, most said a lack of diversity (25%), 16% reported political climate (and weather), 13% said taxes and 7% reported “closed-mindedness.” An Open Sky Policy Institute webinar reported that “people move to follow jobs.” Additionally, “taxes are not a big part of the decision calculus.”

Clearly, Nebraska’s Brain Drain is exacerbated by what is said and how we say it.

Standing alone at the top of the stairs,
She breaks down and cries to her husband,
Daddy, our baby's gone.
Why would she treat us so thoughtlessly?
How could she do this to me?

While some tie diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to the fear-mongering of wokeism, in 2016 Omaha’s Chamber of Commerce launched CODE or Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity, and Equity. CODE is an effort to increase workplace diversity to more accurately reflect Omaha’s demographics. A 2017 Data Users Conference presentation found that among Omaha’s African-Americans, key quality of life variables have improved and/or exceed national averages including increased graduation & bachelor degree rates, single-home and business ownership, while poverty rates and long-term unemployment rates were trending downward.

The Greater Omaha Chamber and Urban League reported 48% of YPs moved to Omaha from elsewhere while another 19% Boomeranged back. However, 80% reported preferring to live elsewhere. This number rose to 87% among African-American YPs. Yet, when asked specifically, YPs give Omaha high marks for ‘finding what I need’ (68%), ‘feeling like a community member’ (65%), and ‘bonding with the community’, (70%).

She (what did we do that was wrong?)
Is Having (we didn't know it was wrong)
Something inside, that was always denied,
For so many years, She's leaving home

Responsible citizenship is your choice. At the heart of this issue is creating a community that is good for everyone and thereby good for business. Civil discussions about how to responsibly respond to evolving DEI standards are good for everyone. The language and tactics used in these conversations matter. Young Nebraskans are listening and they’ve been voting with their feet.

Positive efforts have been ongoing for years. Like most things, stemming the Brain Drain asks individual Nebraskans to consider how their actions, words, and values affect others and thereby the economy. Elevating anxiety by driving fears over demographic change may win GOP votes but it’s a long- term net negative for Nebraska.

Let’s choose to pursue a healthy political climate by rejecting hyper-partisanship including MAGA-extremism. The Unicameral could help by passing campaign laws effectively tamp-down Dark Money Politics. When Nebraskans engage in calm, fact-based conversations on inclusion, it will signal to YPs that Nebraska is welcoming to everyone.  

“On Politics, being deceived is no Excuse” Leszek Kolakowski

Patriotism has always been complex. On one hand, there are those who reject any criticisms as unpatriotic. Conversely, others fail to appreciate the abundance of their unearned birthright.  While some willingly “give their last full measure of devotion.”

The global rise of right-wing political extremism coupled with the growth of religious conservativism suggests that many are, understandably, looking for stability in a world of constant change. It was not an unreasonable response. Today it has become fertile soil for misguided dogmatism and those with bad intentions.

The lawsuit by Dominion Voting against Fox News, alleges the cable channel willingly deceived viewers for financial gain. “[Tucker] Carlson [texted], ‘Our viewers are good people and they believe it,’ he added, making clear that he did not.”

Born down in a dead man's town

The first kick I took was when I hit the ground

You end up like a dog that's been beat too much

'Til you spend half your life just coverin' up (Springsteen, Born in the USA)

In 1984 Bruce Springsteen’s song Born in the USA was played at sporting events, political rallies, and out of car windows. Many, including Ronald Reagan, incorrectly viewed the song “with star-spangled eyes.” Springsteen’s song actually spotlighted Vietnam vets who’d been ignored and neglected since the end of the war.

Come back home to the refinery

Hiring man says, "Son if it was up to me"

Went down to see my V.A. man

He said, "Son, don't you understand?"

Former diplomat Richard Haass’ bestselling book, The Bill of Obligations, The Ten Habits of Good Citizens, provides nonpartisan lessons in, what he argues, are much-needed civics. The conversation begins by coupling our rights with individual obligations to others. He also examines the damages done by those who intentionally spread conspiracies, disinformation, distrust, and division.

Haass provides an easy-to-read framework for Americans confused by the muddled waters of patriotism. Haass’ discusses the duties of responsible citizenship using ideas by Michael Sandel, whose book Justice helps readers define and understand justice; Danielle Allen, whose book Our Declaration, digs deeply into Jefferson’s ideal of equality; and Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream, which wove together scripture of fairness and freedom with Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence: re-focusing 1963 American society on Lincoln’s call for a “rebirth of freedom” (The Gettysburg’s Address).

The popularity of The Bill of Obligations suggests many are seeking to understand patriotism and their role in our model of self-governance. If you have a book club or an ache to better understand how your behaviors and values mold a ‘good society,’ Haass’ book is a thought-provoking place to further your exploration. A similar book, On Tyranny, Twenty Lesson from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder examines characteristics that thwart abusive power.

Down in the shadow of the penitentiary,

Out by the gas fires of the refinery.

I'm ten years burning down the road,

Nowhere to run, ain't got nowhere to go 

In 2014 Springsteen revisited the internal dialogue silently replayed by many Americans in the aftermath of Vietnam. The Wall, recalls his visit to the black granite memorial in Washington D.C. to find the name of his guitar teacher and early musical hero, Walter Cichon.

This black stone and these hard tears, Are all I got left now of you

I remember you in your Marine uniform laughing.

Laughing at your ship out party.

 

If your eyes could cut through that black stone

Tell me would they recognize me?

For the living time it must be served, the day goes on. (Springsteen, The Wall)

At lunch, Kerry spoke of citizenship and our national divides. ‘Where is the aspiration, those eloquent words, that leader who helps span the divides that deceivers perpetuate?’ ‘Is it time to get out of the way and let the next generation take over?’ asked Tom.  “Rugged individualism, which is something often celebrated, is clearly on the upswing in this country. The problem is that it can all too easily descend into selfishness” writes Haass. “We have a stake in the overall well-being of [our] society, which in turn translates into having a stake in the well-being of our fellow citizens.”

Perhaps, we’ll find inspiration’s ‘mourning mist’ in familiar songs, nonpartisan patriotism, and in our obligations to others.

I was born in the U.S.A. 

I'm a cool rockin' Daddy in the U.S.A. 

Engaged Citizenship and Omaha’s Free Speech Society

 

One of my earliest memories is the funeral of President Kennedy. A few months later, after the Beatles played the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, American’s trust that their government would “do what is right just about always/ most of the time,” peaked at 77%. Since then, according to PEW Research, it has slid to a paltry 20%. While confidence rose under Reagan and Clinton, today, left leaning political moderates are the most trustful of their government (32%) while conservatives bottom out at 7%.

Robert Putnam’s landmark study, ‘Bowling Alone’ documented how, over the past 72 years, Americans have become increasingly isolated and, consequently, less trusting of government, society, and each other. He argues that the lack of social engagement has created a crisis of trust and declining civic engagement.

Since 1995, Undergraduates at Bellevue University have taken a course on citizenship and founding principles. Today, the Kirkpatrick Signature Series helps over 2,000 students a year learn about their government and the importance of engaged citizenship.

No, I'll stand my ground: I won't be turned around. And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down, but I won’t back down.  

In 2016, a small group got together to implement Putnam’s ideas by forming The Omaha Free Speech Society. By bringing people together to discuss important political and social issues, we got to know our neighbors, practice verbalizing complex ideas, rebuild trust, and share coffee and donuts. The group is older, predominately white, and politically moderate. We would welcome, and be better served by, any facet of diversity

With more than 500 online members and approximately 75 regular attenders, the group recently gathered to start its seventh year. To mark the occasion, small groups explored the question, ‘What are the top 3  concerns that government actually could and should address over the next two years?’ Using a caucus style format, the membership ranked education, immigration, and Dark Money as the top issues.  

Well, I won't back down. You could stand me up at the gates of Hell, but I won't back down.

Local businessman, Jeremy Aspen argued that K-12 education needs to move from STEM to STEAM (science, technology, arts, engineering and math). “As technology progresses, we need more creative thinkers” opined Aspen. Don Frey M.D. added, “With instantaneous access to facts, student’s need to learn critical thinking so they can synthesize ideas and make good decisions.” Noting that earlier in the week, four Nebraska School District Superintendents had resigned, Susan Laughlin discussed the challenging environment for teachers and administrators. “Public educators went from dealing with COVID and learning to teach online to becoming the targets of unfair criticism from overly aggressive parents.”

In regard to immigration, “Things are mess on the border. I don’t know how (immigration) can be managed when neither party seems willing to sit down and discuss solutions,” said one guest. While issue gridlock plays well among partisans, sensible immigration laws addressing economic and security concerns would benefit all Americans.

Well, I know what's right: I got just one life. In a world that keeps on pushin' me around, I'll stand my ground. And I won't back down

Finally, the lack of transparency in governance was discussed. Concerns ranged from one members concern about, “the 2023 Cornhusker Kick Back” to the negative influences of (dark) money in politics. Many felt money allowed a select few to raise the financial and emotional costs of politics thereby pricing otherwise viable candidates and ideas out of office. The previous month, Congressman Bacon’s Campaign Manager Derek Oden and Mike Forsyth of Common Cause Nebraska discussed the 2022 midterm election. Tracy Zaiss led a discussion which was heavily critical of negative campaign ads and anonymous PAC money.

Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out. But I won't back down (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers)

The Free Speech Society may or may not successfully chip away at some of the problems facing America but it’s one of many attempts to mold a better world for future generations. It also beckons those seeking healthy bipartisan discussions.

Perhaps, if we griped less, trusted more, listened, and followed the lead of America’s Greatest Generation by rolling up our sleeves, we could make progress when, seemingly, so many want America’s model of self-governance to fail. As Coach Monlux tells his top ranked Bellevue University baseball players, “Don’t stop believing.” Indeed, don’t stop.

Keep Secret Ballots in the Nebraska Unicameral

     

     In school we learned about our Unicameral and how Nebraska’s political system is unique. As one of only two states to divide their Electoral College Votes, Nebraska voters are afforded a louder voice in Presidential elections. And arguably affords Nebraska voters the most empowered voice of any state legislature. As governor, Bob Kerry worked with Unicameral Senators. Kerry also served 12 years in the U.S. Senate. When asked, he shared that in creating the Unicameral, Norris “led the successful effort to terminate both of these institutions with a constitutional amendment that abolished one of the legislative bodies and ended the practice of identifying a candidate’s political party on the ballot. Together, these two have given Nebraskans the most efficient and responsive legislature in the Country.”

Nebraskan George Norris served in the U.S. Senate from 1913 to 1933. His legacy includes the creation of our Unicameral. Norris’ ‘Rubber & Glass Campaign’ fought for the Unicameral because it made elected officials more accountable to voters, tamped down party influence, held the governor’s office in check, and thwarted special interest groups.

Today, the vast majority of Americans view our political system as untrustworthy. PEW Research finds only 7% of conservatives and 32% of Centrist Democrats trust government.

After Watergate, Congress responded with efforts to make governance more transparent. Research found that that elected officials motivations and behaviors changed but not for the better (Zelizer). Officials took positions based upon polls, media attention, and manipulating the appearance of their actions to appease voters (Heclo). Cross-aisle engagement and compromise went down as partisan rhetoric demonizing the opposition went up and divides got deeper (Fiorina). Supporting and passing legislation was bogged down as partisans punished officials for deviations from the party line. Instead of governing, elected officials focused on reelection in lieu of tackling tough issues and making hard choices.  Statesmen morphed into politicians as Political Action Committees (PACs) and special interest groups successfully drowned out the voice of voters with big donations by funding campaigns of compliant candidates, and, as we saw in 2022, let the wealthy exploit anonymous Dark Money campaigns to run brutally negative ads against others such as those ran against Brett Linstrom and Tony Vargas.

Since its inception, 85 years ago, the nonpartisan Unicameral has voted secretly for the body’s leadership. Next week a motion is expected that will make these votes public.  This would be the culmination of an effort pushed by the Nebraska First PAC. Nebraska First was founded and funded by Trump endorsed, unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate Charles W. Herbster.

Lead by Rod Edwards, Nebraska First argues, “Electing leadership by a secret and unrecorded ballot deprives everyday Nebraskans of information they could use when deciding who to elect as their state senator. Additionally, keeping the leadership votes a secret gives even more power and influence to lobbyists, special interests, and Capitol insiders. Most citizens are not aware of this practice and most would not support the secrecy if they knew.”

Sounds reasonable, or does it?

When the nation’s founders met to write the U.S. Constitution, they cloaked the windows and forbid transcripts of the process so that participants could act and speak freely. Those who participated-in composing the Constitution, a document written and debated in secret, include George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and Roger Sherman. Of the 55 that participated, 40 had or would serve in a legislative body.

Along with Maine, Nebraska is the most moderate state in the Union. Certainly the officially nonpartisan Unicameral and the diminished role of political parties factors in to the calm and uniquely rational nature of Nebraska politics.

Today, officials bemoan the ‘brain drain’ as young Nebraskan’s move for work to other states. Over the last four years I have read approximately 1000 essays that asked students to describe America in 25 years. By very large numbers, their essays describe a failed political system, inequality, and an unhealthy cynicism of ever achieving the American Dream. Nationally, those under 40 prefer socialism to capitalism. If we’re serious about slowing Nebraska’s brain drain, elevating vitriolic partisanship is exactly the wrong thing to do.

Today, I doubt most Nebraska could name the Unicameral Speaker: Mike Hilgers steps down to become State Attorney General in January. And yet, despite the fact Nebraska voters are 49% Republican, 28% Democrats, and 23% Other, the system has worked according to Norris’ plan since 1937. Unnecessary transparency will, as we’ve all seen in the U.S. Senate and Congress, strengthen political party control, increase partisan extremism, and gag voters.

Students of our model of self-governance know that the system was designed to be slow and inefficient: thereby forcing the political debate, negotiation, and compromise. By doing so, it gives voice to those in the minority and stops political extremism.

“Nebraskans should listen to Mr. Herbster and ask themselves this question: Do you like what you seen in our Nation’s Capitol? Do you want our legislature to behave like the Congress” asks Bob Kerry.

Protect your vote and contact your State Senator today: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/senator_find.php

Unicameral Politics, Signs, Symbols, and Morfeld

 

Since COVID, I’ve taken to walking. One neighbor proudly displays his Trump / Pence campaign sign from 2016. I noticed duct tape over ‘2016’ during the 2020 election cycle. More recently, ‘Pence’ got the duct tape treatment. One sign, three messages.

Traffic came to a stop behind a pick-up truck flying a profanity-laced flag, (proving PT Barnum’s point, “No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the masses”). To my right was a mini-van of kids heading to school. I noticed mom’s awkward moment dealing with the political vulgarity.

Sign, sign. Everywhere a sign. Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind. Do this, don't do that. Can't you read the sign? (Five Man Electric Band).

In his book, Man and His Symbols, Carl Jung, a student of Freud and founder of Jungian Psychology wrote, “Man uses the spoken or written word to express the meaning of what he wants to convey.”  We love our symbols and signs by sharing them on our cars, in our yards, and on social media. Why?

Now, hey you, mister, can't you read? You got to have a shirt and tie to get a seat inside. You've got to have a membership card to get inside."

One theory is as respected members of a group, we are more secure and assured of our place in society. Almost every characteristic you use to define you, (gender, religion, ethnicity, race, age, politics, education, city, state, et, al) comes with a group imposing expectations that judge the legitimacy of your membership in the group.

However, sometimes groupthink goes too far. Senator Krysten Sinema publicly revoked partisan affiliation because she claimed, party demands compromised her integrity. Similar concerns over unhealthy partisanship have been signaled by Paul Ryan, John Boehner, George Will, Liz Cheney, Jeff Flake, Mitt Romney, and the congressional bipartisan Problem Solvers (including Don Bacon).

And the sign said, "Anybody caught trespassin' will be shot on sight. So I jumped on the fence and I yelled at the house, "Hey! What gives you the right? If God was here, he'd tell you to your face, 'Man, you're some kind of sinner”

One neighbor erected more than a dozen flagpoles. Most commemorated NASCAR drivers but included in the mix was the Gadsden ‘don’t tread on me’ flag. Created by Benjamin Franklin, the Gadsden flag signaled a warning against the authoritarian rule of England’s King George III. What was a patriotic message against government overreach recently became starkly unpatriotic. This ideology was commandeered by those seeking to “terminate” the Constitution including a former authoritarian President and Congressman Paul Gosar. In addition, The Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC), recently awarded Hungary’s illiberal Prime Minister, Viktor Orban’ with two addresses. Why are those claiming patriotism giving a platform to an authoritarian dictator? What sign are they sending?

A report by International IDEA (*1) finds that authoritarianism is rising worldwide and affecting long-stable democracies including 17 European nations, as well as 7 nations in the Americans, along with, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and the United States.

Today, the greatest danger to our model of self-governance is those who lie and conspire to deceive others by perpetuating false claims of election fraud. The foundation of American self-governance rests upon our trust and faith to rule ourselves through free and fair elections. By undermining the legitimacy of those elected, and thereby our faith in self-governance, election deniers promote authoritarian nationalism. These are the ideas that drove your forefathers to emigrate to these shores for freedom and that brave Americans “gave their last full measure of devotion” fighting against in the 1770s, 1812, 1860s, throughout the 20^th century, and in the war against terrorism. 

Sign, sign. Everywhere a sign. Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind. Do this, don't do that. Can't you read the sign?

Over the last year, four unicameral senators spoke to the Omaha Free Speech Society. Their depth of knowledge and lack of partisan point-taking was refreshing. George Norris got it right when he removed partisanship from Nebraska’s unicameral. Thankfully, Nebraska Senator Adam Morfeld has launched a group to fight extremism and misinformation in Nebraska. Godspeed Mr. Morfeld. (*2)

And the sign said, "Everybody welcome. Come in, kneel down and pray. So I got me a pen and a paper and I made up my own little sign, I said, "Thank you, Lord, for thinkin' 'bout me, I'm alive and doin' fine"

 

For link:

(*1) Omaha World Herald, 12/7/2022, Jan M Olson

Report: Authoritarianism on rise as democracy weakens

 

(*2) Omaha World Herald, 12/7/2022, Martha Stoddard

Senator launches group to fight extremism and misinformation

On Such a Night - interviewing the Night Tripper, New Orleans Dr. John.

For years I tried to interview Dr. John. There were three artists I desperately wanted to interview, Dr. John, Gary Moore, and Mark Knopfler. In pursuit of an interview, someone gave me a number in New Orleans where he "hung out." If memory serves, it was Tsaint Recording Studios. I called the number and spoke to a guy named Allen. After I had hung-up the phone I realized I'd been speaking to Allen Toussaint. That was an opportunity missed.

In the early years of the Indigenous Jam, we had a very close working relationship with Joe Bonamassa and his manager, Roy. Pacific St Blues was one of the first two radio programs to play Joe's music. Today he’s a superstar and rightfully so. While some continue to lob criticism at Bonamassa, he earned his place as the top touring blues guitarist by being on-the-road and, this is important, helping open the door for others by producing their albums, letting them open shows, or appearing on their records. Bonamassa is nothing if not a faithful servant of the blues and those that play it. Several times over the early years we discussed putting together a music festival called, Joemaha.

Once when Joe was in town and I took him to the guitar shop in downtown Papillion. I don’t remember the name of the store but I think the owner’s name was Derek. There was a Robert Johnson era Gibson guitar on the wall that immediately attracted Joe’s discerning eye. Later we ate at Danny's on 72nd & Blondo. It was at Danny’s that we bumped into "Mouse" Strauss, the boxer and former bodyguard for Bob Dylan. 'Mouse' told us Dylan stories for about an hour including meeting the mysterious sage the first time while hitchhiking and picked up by Dylan’s bus. If nothing, it was a memorable story.

After eating we then headed over to 7777 Cass Streets to see Dr. John at The Music Box. Having met Mac several times by then, we were invited backstage where I introduced Joe to Mac. That was the first time I was able to introduce Joe to someone he wanted to meet. Years later, having interviewed the brother of the late Irish bluesman Rory Gallagher, Donal, on the phone, I arranged with Joe's manager for Donal to meet-up with Joe at Bonamassa's show at the Royal Albert Hall. The meeting was captured, albeit briefly, in the DVD of the sold-out concert.

The first time I met Mac Rebennack, a/k/a Dr. John was at a BB King show at the Devaney Center in Lincoln. As I recall, the line-up was The Muddy Waters Tribute Band, Dr. John, Little Feat, and BB King. The interview was in person and occurred in the men's locker room. Mac has just gotten out of rehab for a long term narcotics addiction. He seemed nervous and not really into being interviewed. Over in the corner, what I've always figured was BB's band, someone was smoking pot. The smell wafted over to our area and I assumed it was making Mac uncomfortable. In fact, probably having been interviewed by hundreds of unprepared college radio hosts, Dr. John was in guarded and bored interview mode. And, as the interview wore on, it was clear I was bombing...the interview was not going well.

I learned over the years you have to do your homework to conduct an interview. You have to get the artist into a conversation rather than a rote Q&A. By asking questions that the interviewee had not been asked a million times previously and, ideally, bringing up a topic of interest to them (which is NEVER their latest album, the tour, or who they'd screwed in the past).

I asked Mac how he got Red Tyler to tour again. "Motherfucker, how do YOU know about Red Tyler?" he shot back in an aggressive tone? As quick as I could, I listed the members in his band that I  had recognized and discussed some of their recordings. I shifted into discussions about Professor Longhair, Dave Bartholomew, and Art Neville. "Man, you are one cool cat" said Mac as he draped his arm over my shoulders. I adore Dr. John. Reluctantly, he discussed the Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street  sessions although it was clear he didn’t want to discuss it. After that, he talked and shared as though we were life-long friends. Oh, and if they have a book, bring the book.