Disqus - Latest Comments for Joel Pollak

Re: The Harvard Crimson :: Opinion :: Weak Stimulus

Joel Pollak — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 02:18:41 -0000

You can't possibly be serious. Where do you think the money will come from? People of my (and your) generation will be paying for this "stimulus" for years to come, restricting the growth of our economy over the long term. Also, the government simply does not have the capacity to spend that kind of money. Both Bush and Obama have taken a huge gamble and even the assurances of Mr. Krugman are no guarantee that the spending will work.

Re: Me. Public Radio. Monday Apr 24. Racism In America.

Joel Pollak — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 14:44:02 -0000

Hi Baratunde!

Just listened to your public radio show - good gig!

But I disagree with you (and Nadine) about whether black people can't be racist.

From where I sit, in Africa, it is clear to me that black people certainly can be racist, and that certain leaders (e.g. Robert Mugabe) make their political careers out of reinforcing black racism.

Black people can be racist against other black people (e.g. Rwanda), against Asians (e.g. Uganda), and against white people (e.g. Zimbabwe).

In every single case of black racism, black people eventually become the victims. This is true of all racial hatred--e.g. Nazi Germany, for example.

Now--we might choose to judge racism differently depending on the context. A black person whose land was taken away from him/her by the apartheid government might hate all white people, and that might be understandable. A Jewish person whose family was killed in the Holocaust might hate all Germans. Et cetera.

But this kind of hatred reaches its sell-by date within a generation or two. Not only does it become immoral, but it is totally self-defeating. Have Palestinians ever gained anything by hating Israelis?

I'm living in Cape Town, where the political party I work for has just taken over the city in a free and fair election. The ANC, whom we replaced, had run a generally corrupt administration. Now we're auditing the books to figure out where all the money went, and the ANC cries "racist!"--never mind that it is the poor black majority that suffers most from government corruption.

The racism of victims of past persecution almost always extends and expands the damage of that persecution to new generations, and prevents the victims from re-asserting control of their future.

The lesson of Nelson Mandela--unfortunately, a lesson forgotten by some of his successors--is that reconciliation is more powerful than retribution, and that people must ultimately be judged equally as human beings, and held to an equal standard for their actions on this earth.

Re: HAAAA HAAAA: Hillary “Loans” Self $5M; Obama Gets $6M From The People In 24 Hours

Joel Pollak — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 07:38:42 -0000

Um, I'm no Hillary fan, but apparently she also raised something like $6 million right after Super Tuesday from independent donors (i.e. not her own bank account). The fact that she has been so bad at getting the word out speaks volumes about the deficiencies in her campaign, but she is raising money out there.

Re: An Important Reminder Of Why I Support Obama - Empowerment

Joel Pollak — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 07:48:37 -0000

About 10 years about I would have been excited about Obama's "movement" politics. I'm not jaded, but I've seen firsthand the consequences of what happens when people go along with a campaign just because it's a campaign. That seems to be the core of Obama's message: the campaign itself is the story. That's not good enough for me anymore. I want to know where a campaign stands on the issues. And Obama's stands continue to disappoint me. Also, his attack on McCain was pretty lame. That's all you got, Senator O?

That said, I think the concerns about who Obama owes are somewhat overblown. Cornel West made the same criticisms of Obama a year ago (you can find it here at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXj3_pjTTwg). I thought it was below the belt, seriously--the reason Obama wasn't at that conference was that he was launching his damn campaign! Interests are part of the political game, and that won't change, no matter how "engaged" we all become in politics. I think West was really unfair--and now he's rushing to endorse Obama, without so much as a decent apology, which is rather hypocritical. Enough said about that.

I'm not cynical about the possibilities of political engagement. I think politics is rewarding. But one thing I've learned, after several years in the political game, is that politics isn't everything. And thank God. What we need politics to do is make it easier for people to pursue their dreams. That means politics needs to get the hell out of the way most of the time. I'm more than skeptical of Obama's "movement" politics. I'm suspicious of it, because he's basically asking people to write him a blank check. We don't know who he really is--and he spends most of his book telling us that he doesn't really know, either. I'm less worried about who he owes and more concerned about what he actually believes.

Re: My Goodness, Paul Krugman Is So Full Of Hate

Joel Pollak — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:21:20 -0000

Well...

Obama has done some negative, racial campaigning, too: http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/06/19/news/oba...

He apologized for it--full credit for that--but he's not pure on this point.

I think this presidential campaign has actually been remarkably devoid of negativism. Maybe I'm just used to far worse.

Maybe it will get there yet...

Re: Hillary’s Foreign Policy Experience Comes Down To… A Speech?

Joel Pollak — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 07:53:29 -0000

Hi Baratunde,

I have to say that as a McCain supporter I am enjoying the Democratic fight. Whether it's Clinton bashing Obama or the other way around, we win.

Neither side is going to have a majority of delegates by the time the primary season is over. Either way, Clinton or Obama will have to rely on super-delegates.

So, in the meantime, I think there are two things Obama and his campaign should doing.

1. Stop expecting to knock Hillary out of the race. Obama keeps letting Hillary back into the race by acting as if he deserves the win. This has happened in NH, on Super Tuesday, and again in TX & OH. Even the "Yes, We Can" speech was a victory speech that he had to deliver after losing. Just be patient and keep making your case and let Hillary punch herself out.

2. Stop complaining about Clinton's tactics. Both sides have hit below the belt. It hurts, but you've got to look bigger than that. Geraldine Ferraro said some stupid things but Orlando Patterson looked silly, also. Focus on the issues. Don't try to turn your opponents into "monsters"--what did John McCain have to do with slavery, for example?

Obama's biggest problem is that he can't win the big blue states. That will be the core of Clinton's case to the Democratic Party. So, focus on Obama's biggest asset--the new voters he brings with him. Don't threaten to burn Denver! Sheesh! Just make it clear that the Dems shouldn't blow the opportunity to finally get youth & black voters to the polls.

Also remember this: win or lose, Obama should be around to fight the next election. And he will be, too--unless his campaign sacrifices his credibility in a hail of negativity. The attacks on John McCain have been pretty lousy--all that 100-years and Bush-McCain nonsense. If you believe in a new politics, then let's see it, Senator.

So get out there and fight the good fight. And please pass the popcorn.

J

Re: Video And Transcript Of Obama Speech On Race In America

Joel Pollak — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:37:59 -0000

I disagree. I thought the speech fell short. The end result is that he's still sticking with Wright. Not a good call.

What he ought to have said. At least in my opinion.

Re: Video And Transcript Of Obama Speech On Race In America

Joel Pollak — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:50:04 -0000

I'm not worried that we disagree--debate is fun.

The comparison with McCain doesn't hold up, because 1) we're not talking about McCain's own church and 2) he has immediately spoken out against the ministers in question (e.g. Hagee's views on Catholics).

I think Wright is totally wrong, but that's not the issue for me.

What's most concerning about Wright is not his support for Obama but the way in which Obama has handled this.

Suddenly it's not about his judgment; suddenly it's about everyone else's racism. I mean, who calls their own grandmother a racist on national TV?

Suddenly Obama's waving the American flag. Suddenly he's admitting he knew about Wright's views.

There's just a lack of authenticity here, and I think Obama's supporters ought to be more worried about it than his opponents.

Re: Video And Transcript Of Obama Speech On Race In America

Joel Pollak — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:33:21 -0000

OK, maybe the link didn't come through, but here's what I think Obama should have said:

“The Bible teaches us, in Ephesians 4:31: ‘Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.’ My faith is one that teaches forgiveness. Not just for individuals, but for nations. Not just for the righteous, but for those who have not yet found the way to the truth and the light.

“The Reverend Jeremiah A. Wright played an important role in my life. He led me to a deeper connection with my Christian faith. For that, I will be eternally grateful. I reached out to him not just to discover what I believed, but who I am. But when he condemned white Americans, when he blamed America for the terrible events of 9/11, when he damned America itself, I should have spoken up, or walked away.

“I did not. And for that, I apologize and ask the forgiveness of my family, my fellow congregants, and the American people. The truth is that I did not raise my voice because I was afraid. I was afraid that my friends and neighbors would turn away from me—not only because of what I believe but because of who I am, a man of mixed parentage in a country still struggling to come to terms with its past.

“My mistake was to underestimate the people around me. For in silencing myself I failed to trust them. I failed to trust the decency of the people who prayed with me. I failed to appeal to their sense of right and wrong. I also failed to give Reverend Wright the chance to change his ways. I failed to challenge him to refine his faith, the way he once challenged me to search for mine. For that, I am truly sorry.

“I will now be leaving the Trinity United Church of Christ. Some may see this as political expediency. I leave them to judge as they will. For my own part, I can only say that I am still finding my way to God. I have the privilege of serving in the U.S. Senate. I have been a successful lawyer. I have been blessed. But in religion I am still a beginner. And so I must continue searching, continue reaching for answers.

“One thing that I have learned is to love another human being in spite of his or her flaws. And so in leaving Reverend Wright’s church I wish him no ill will. But I have realized—as I have met so many Americans, from so many walks of life, in the course of this campaign—that our country is far bigger than the one he has portrayed. Ours is a land of hope, a land of true freedom and opportunity.

“I would like to thank my opponents in this election for the grace they have shown me by not exploiting this issue to political advantage. I am sorry for the hurt this has caused my supporters and all Americans, of all faiths. I hope that this episode will herald a new start for this campaign: a movement towards a better kind of politics, the kind of politics in which leaders can learn from their mistakes.

“Let us now go forth and continue the work of this great democracy, this land that God has blessed.”

Instead, we got:

1) A speech about everyone else's racism.

2) A religious speech without religious content.

3) An attack on political opponents when humility was called for.

I think the speech succeeded in rallying Obama's supporters--people who already agreed with him--but it alienated a lot of other people.

Obama had a choice to make: stay in the church and leave. Each option has consequences. Each requires some explaining.

Baratunde, this speech did not lack wisdom. It even had a bit of courage. What it lacked was authenticity.

Obama refused to be himself. That's what I believe.

Re: Video And Transcript Of Obama Speech On Race In America

Joel Pollak — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:07:04 -0000

Also, he never apologized.

Would that have really been too much?

I think even Wright would have understood.

Re: ABC Has Lost Its Cotton-Pickin Mind / What Do We Do? (Update: FCC Reform!)

Joel Pollak — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:27:30 -0000

Um... why complain about the questions? Sounds like sour grapes. Obama finally got moderators who weren't prepared to let the candidates scratch each other's backs all night.

I find Obama's response to all of this rather strange. Instead of getting on with his campaign, he's attacking the media, attacking the debate. Reality check: you win some, you lose some.

It's been a frequent complaint the the current man in the White House doesn't listen to criticism. Well, Obama's attitude towards criticism is also important. It's certainly shaped my choice this time around.

I think ABC did a great job--finally, a debate worth watching. I fully expect the debates in the fall to be as combative as this one was. Game on.

Re: O Hell Nawl Comic On Black Hillary Supporters - Traitors

Joel Pollak — Thu, 22 May 2008 08:55:54 -0000

You don't seriously think black people who support Hillary are traitors, do you?

And traitors to what, exactly?

Re: Michelle Malkin - Teflon For Racism?

Joel Pollak — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:45:20 -0000

Baratunde, this is really wrong. It's racist to declare that a woman of color who doesn't kowtow to the left-wing line is being manipulated by white supremacists somewhere along the way. Michelle Malkin is tough and smart, and I don't always agree with her but this sort of comment is unworthy of you.

Re: Michelle Malkin - Teflon For Racism?

Joel Pollak — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:57:21 -0000

I don't disagree with everything you write, Baratunde, but I also don't think it's sad if we do disagree politically. One thing I admire about South Africans is their ability to maintain friendships even when they are on different sides of an issue (or many issues). I would hope we could do the same. I do think that there is a difference between attacking the substance of someone's arguments (like Malkin's position on internment) and attacking the person herself by suggesting she is being manipulated--"molded by her husband" and others.

Re: My Submission For McCain’s “I Am Joe The Plumber” Video Contest

Joel Pollak — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:23:29 -0000

*Sigh* Sarcasm just ain't funny. Just about everyone pays higher taxes under Obama's plan, if you look at the overall effect of his multiple tax proposals. Middle-class families will pay effective marginal tax rates equal to or higher than what they pay now, and the poor will be taxed at rates higher than what the rich have to pay under Bush! Obama's plan only works if you take it in bits and pieces and ignore the big picture--no wonder the Economist called it misleading. Also, the issue isn't Joe the Plumber. It's Obama's response to the question. And the way the media has gone after Joe is a scary sign of what might happen to free speech in Obama's reign. But nothing could be worse than Bush... right?

Re: My Submission For McCain’s “I Am Joe The Plumber” Video Contest

Joel Pollak — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:28:45 -0000

Baratunde, you've started believing the Obama campaign's propaganda. Palin has been quite accessible to the media--far more than Joe Biden, who hasn't been available to the press for a month and spent today not talking to anyone. I can tell you from firsthand experience that reporters have full access to people attending McCain/Palin rallies. You might not "trust" what I'm telling you, but you've also just said you don't care about the facts anyway. You made a 30-second ad inviting people to examine the facts, and now you say facts don't matter? Instead you just claim I'm ridiculous and unreasonable. That's debate, I guess, in the Obama era. McCain is absolutely not appealing to "demons"; he's squashed any attempt by the GOP to bring up Jeremiah Wright, which even Obama said was "fair game." Meanwhile, Obama has spent more money on negative ads than McCain has spent on ads of any kind.

Re: My Submission For McCain’s “I Am Joe The Plumber” Video Contest

Joel Pollak — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:04:17 -0000

What you've revealed is the rage behind Obama's message of "hope." It's sad, really, that someone I considered one of my best friends in college would respond the way you have--not just in this exchange but others. Instead of informed dialogue, you hurl insults ("I thought you were smart once"). You demonize those who dare to disagree--like Michelle Malkin, who you accused of racism. You just hear one side of the story. I hope *you* wake up one day, Baratunde, and wonder whether all this anger was really worth the effort on behalf of a politician. When there's this kind of rage on the other side of comedy, the joke is on you, my friend.

Re: This Guy is trying to Get Us a Formal Apology for Slavery

Joel Pollak — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:06:52 -0000

I don't agree with all of the political opinions on this blog but congratulations on a very courageous post that speaks out against what is happening to Steve Cohen. More people should speak out - where's Obama on this one?

Re: Sarah Palin= Another Clarence Thomas

Joel Pollak — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:45:16 -0000

I'm glad you connected Clarence Thomas and Sarah Palin. The common thread is that both have Joe Biden as their adversary. Remember that, way back when? Biden irritated women voters so much that they came out in droves to vote women into Congress in 1992.

Those who forget history are doomed to... never mind, history's never been Obama's strongest subject. I guess Obamabots will have to learn defeat from firsthand experience.