Southern Sojourner

Exhibit Number 1

I mentioned in a previous post that John McCain has at times tried to say that this election is about who has better judgment.  He likes to tout his decision to support "The Surge" as an example of judgment and how Obama lacks it.  Of course, it was Obama's judgment that we not be in the war with Iraq to begin with, but apparently that vindicated judgment does not count.

Since this is the week of the vice presidential debates, let's talk about judgment.  When putting together a sucessesstion plan, Obama picked an experienced foreign policy expert who is accepted as an outstanding choice by both sides of the aisle.  You may disagree with Biden's politics but no one can say he would not be able to step in and guide this country.  Traditionally the Vice President (Cheney excluded) has not been a particularly powerful role, but there is no doubt that she/he is one stopped heartbeat away from office, so it may not have powers but it certainly has gravitas.  When picking a possible heir, you need to demonstrate judgment.  Here is McCains judgment in action.


UNBELIEVABLE! You do not have to be a wall street insider to at the very least understand the surface issues of the bailout. That has nothing to do with. Judgment, Senator McCain, judgment. Again! I can't believe I am seeing this. This is a possible leader of the free world. Seriously, this is not laughable, this is scary. I asked a Republican friend of mine if he really, seriously thought Palin was prepare to be a possible president. And I thought this guy was reasonable and intelligent and he said "yes." I almost dropped the phone. So for my friend who apparently doesn't get the extended cable package that would include any other news channel beside Fox, I will offer you more examples. How much hypocrisy can you stand? But there is more... Just rambling non-sense. JUDGMENT! And in case you missed this one. It is a classic. I love how Charlie was about to move on when it "dawned" on him that this lady doesn't have a friggin' clue and he rephrased the question. And on the continual lying that she refused to give up despite all the facts. All this from a woman who hasn't even been given free access to press. This is scary stuff. So if judgment is what this campaign is about, then this shouldn't even be close.

Unsullied Debate Impressions

Just got finished watching the 1st presidential debate and wanted to get some thoughts down before I get swayed by punditry, to which we are all susceptible.

For any reader of this blog it will come as no surprise that I am enthusiastically supporting Obama this year.  I have supported other Democratic presidential candidates (I have voted Republican as well) in the past but it was purely ideological support.  I liked Gore, but he was so mechanical and like everyone, the constant drama of the Clinton years had me fatigued and I worried that it would continue  Kerry was worse, though I had continued to become disillusioned about Republican and even more engaged in the election, I did not care for Kerry. So this election cycle has been very exciting for me because I really, really like Obama. 

That said, I will say this debate was a draw, from a pure debate point of view.  I guess since this was the debate that McCain was suppose to dominate because it dealt with foreign policy, the issue that Obama is perceived to be weak on, it could be a win for Obama. 

Now on the substance of the issues, I agree with Obama and not with McCain, but I felt Obama missed some opportunities and McCain was surprisingly disciplined.  He had his talking points, "He doesn't understand" and a his canned lines like, "It is hard to reach from that far from the left to reach across the aisle."  Those score well with people who are not politicos.

McCain clearly knows about foreign policy, it is just that I disagree with his approach.  I think hope that people saw that Obama is informed on the issues.  Obama can't win on the "experience" issue on this point, but what came through clearly and one of the reason I truly believe Obama can be a great president is his temperament.  He believes in dialog, in listening to opposing views while not sacrificing the ability to take tough stances. It showed as Obama was willing to look at his opponent and address him.  McCain however just stood there, gritted his teeth, faked a smile and tried to keep from blowing his top. He would not looked at Obama. That will go over well when dealing with foreign leaders. 

I am sick of the American propensity to rattle it's saber, beat its chest, and demand acquiescence to our worldview.  I am an idealist I suppose, but what happened to respectable disagreement and a reasonable exchange of ideas.  Why can't we accept that we are but one member of the global community?  Why can't we embrace the idea that there are other cultures and values that have validity?  I have no confidence that McCain will restore America as the envy of the world, but rather further isolate us. 

The debate itself was substantive, as much as public politics can get I guess and the tone was sober.  That sobriety however caused me even more concern about McCain's choice for a running mate.  No one doubts that Biden can be conversant on every issue of foreign policy should he have to, but can anyone seriously feel that Sarah Palin can be effective after seeing her continue to tout her foreign policy expertise because she can "see" Russia from Alaska?  McCain likes to tout judgment.  I will submit his choice for a running mate and ask is this the judgment we need?

Next up, the Vice Presidentail debate!  That one will be interesting for sure.  I can't wait. Now I will go and watch the shows, read the news and find out what I was suppose to think. 

A Tannehill Promenade Wish List

The Colonial Properties Tannehill Promenade, has by most accounts been a great success.  With a movie house among the best in the area and a Publix that is killing its competition and a Target that slowly (but surely) is getting it's act together, people are spending money in southwest Jefferson County. 

People that once would have driven two or three exits down I-459 are now stopping at Exit 1, cutting off the money trail that once regularly flowed to Hoover with its pretentious, "looking down their nose at all things not Hoover" attitude.  Read any comments on al.com that has to do with the Bessemer/McCalla area and you will that attitude and the embedded racism that continues to balkanize much of the Birmingham community.

So while I am thrilled a the good showing, I am growing impatient waiting on the rest of phase 1 to come online.  Chik-fil-a, Logan's, McAllister's, Taco Bell and Full Moon will be welcome additions.  I am also ready for a bank.  I am at Regions, but if they don't get off their tuffett and get their branch built I will be bolting to the new Credit Union or Wachovia, both of which are or will be located at the Promenade.  I am interested in the Toll House store as well. 

But even while we wait, there comes the announcement today in the Birmingham rag about Colonial wanting to start on Phase's 2 and 3.  What was interesting was that the stores listings were pretty specific.  JC Penny (weren't they suppose to be in phase 1?), Red Robin, Krystals and Lamar's Donuts (hmmm, doooonuutttts).  Phase 3 is stated to feature a home improvement retailer, which I assume is a Home Depot since Lowe's has a store in Bessemer already.  I like Lowe's better but Home Depot wanting to expand this direction and compete with Lowe's make sense.

Aside from the donuts, I am not terribly excited about any of these. I am not bummed, but not excited. 

If I had to choose, I would vote for a book store like Barnes and Noble or Borders.  Books A Million's layout stresses me and it looks junky, but I would even welcome it.  I would also advocate for a Best Buy, we need a good consumer electronic retailer here and I think it would do very well since that market is completely ignored on this side of the county with the exception of a Radio Shak here or there.  I would like a nice pub (not another "sports bar") and/or independent gourmet coffee shop.  I am happy with the Starbucks at Target, but I don't like walking into a big box for a small coffee.  I prefer intimacy in my coffee shops. We have another coffee shop in McCalla, but they can't decide if they want to sell coffee or ice cream or chicken salad (which is good) or socks.  And their coffee is average at best and often just very bad. 

I would love an Academy Sports but I don't see that with Hibbetts already established, but this is a wish list.  I would like to see some more sit down restaurants and no more clothing establishments.  I'd die for a Thai restaurant but that would border on delirium.

Beyond stoking my imagination, I wondered what was going to happen to the current footprint slated for JC Penny.  I had heard that JCP was suing Colonial over the sinkhole issue.  If they do indeed move to Phase 2, what happens with the current property?  Anyone heard?  I suppose that was too difficult a question for the reporter to ask. 

Anyway, do you have any wishes for the retail growth of the best secret in the Birmingham Metro area?

Honesty is the best policy

I do not advocate drunk driving, but you have to admire this man's honesty.

On Elitism

Portrayal Of Obama As Elitist Hailed As Step Forward For African Americans

New Rules

Bill Maher has a segment on his show called New Rules.  Having just watched Governor Palin's speech, here are some new rules that would help the vigorous debate going forward.

New Rule:  Don't exploit Downs Syndrome to earn votes

New Rule:  Resist the urge to photoshop Palin to some licentious picture. Classless and sophomoric.

New Rule:  Substantial criticism is not sexist. (Are you listening Carly?)

New Rule: Don't call Washington liberal when it has been controlled by Republicans for most of the century.

New Rule: Community organization, development and activism is a noble calling and should not be belittled.

New Rule:  A world champion snow mobile rider is not much of a accomplishment.  How many competitive snow mobilers are they?

New Rule:  Sarcasm, insult, and belittling will not solve our country's ills.

New Rule:  Spend more time talking about your solutions not knocking your opponents.

New Rule:  Hope, articulation, inspiration and thoughtful, deliberative responses are important.

New Rule: If you want to reform Washington, you must acknowledge that your party is the reason it needs reforming.

New Rule:  Drilling is not in the top ten most pressing issues facing this country.

New Rule:  Quit trying to frame the war in Iraq in terms of God.

New Rule:  If you want to use selling the state's private jet as a qualification for running, vow now to sell Air Force 2 and give those proceeds to veterans relief.

New Rule:  Don't use your influence and power for petty revenge.

New Rule:  Before you make "Country First" your campaign slogan, make sure your spouse doesn't want to secede from the country.

If you have a new rule, feel free to post them.  It's getting late and I am feeling nauseous.