Can’t we all just get along?

When I read posts here I often feel like I am reading a blog version of FOX News. That’s not necessarily a bad thing and if you are here with the single goal of promoting your political agenda, that is your right. I do think, however, that we miss a great opportunity by talking (or shouting) past each other.

When I worked on the Hill, I felt a certain kinship with other staffers. Not just those who were in my party but everyone. One idea that made this possible was that regardless of party affiliation, I felt that everyone working there did so out of the sense that they wanted to make the country better. There was a time when Members of Congress went out and socialized with other Members on both sides of the aisle. That doesn’t happen anymore. One Conservative (that is capital ‘C’ he was in the NY Conservative party) former Congressman and friend of mine, told me that after a debate, he would go out to for a beer with his rival. He also laments the lack of dialogue.

So when I read blanket statements about liberals, it bothers me. Now I get some may me humorous and do like to laugh, even at myself. I worked on the Kerry campaign yet when I read a bumper sticker that said, I voted for Kerry before I voted against him, my only regret was I didn’t have a pen and piece of paper to write the person a note. Even to a Democrat (and liberal), that was clever.

I am no more of a cardboard cut of caricature than anyone else. I am a liberal Democrat because I believe the government exists to do for us collectively what we cannot do individually. We need decent education, defense and infrastructure.

Here are some myths about liberals in general.

1. Liberals hate the military. No, really we don’t. My father was in the Marines and is a hardcore Democrat. That’s me on the left after I shot a grenade launcher at Quantico (Jane Wayne day, I would be a terrible soldier but that’s another story). During the end of the Clinton administration I worked with a lot of military (was lucky enough to get a more up close and personal experience when I worked at the Aviano Air Force base and Camp Lejeune) and have always respected anyone who gives up their lives (not just when they are killed but also when they leave everything behind for long periods of time) to protect us and our ideology. Re: more important illustrations of Democrats who have served in the military there is a long list. Most of our presidents since World War II served, that includes the following presidents:
   1. Harry Truman
   2. John F. Kennedy
   3. Lyndon Johnson
   4. Jimmy Carter

   Moreover, I just read a post that claimed Hollywood was conservative in WWII because they supported the war effort. Franklin Delano Roosevelt began supplying England with weapons years before we entered the war. If there was opposition to that war, it wasn’t a liberal or conservative movement, we were an isolationist country then. Harry Truman dropped the atom bomb. JFK got us into Vietnam and Johnson kept that war going. I get that the liberal movement probably got the ‘we hate the military’ label during Vietnam but that doesn’t mean it’s true.

    

2. We want to take your guns. Really, we don’t. What I would like to see, if anything, is proof that someone knows how to use a weapon before they buy it. Personally, I should not have a gun. Not because I don’t have the right to have one but because I would probably end up shooting my foot, my TV or my cat. No one wants that. On the other hand, if you want a gun or guns and did not just get out of jail for violent crime and/or were not just released from a mental health facility, you should be able to have it. As a DC resident, I was surprised no one fought the DC handgun ban using the Second Amendment earlier.

    

3. We hate America: I do not believe in “America; love it or leave it.” I think we have an obligation to try to make it the best America it can be. I have lived overseas and have been to three other continents and nothing makes you appreciate your own country than spending someplace that is totally different. Note the founding fathers said they were creating a ‘more perfect union’ not ‘perfect union.’ That implies there is room for improvement.

    

4. We don’t understand or appreciate the Constitution. This one gets prickly for me. It’s easy to gate the ACLU but their whole raison d’être is to protect our freedom of speech. I am sure there will be people who don’t see it that way and that’s fine but I see this as a common ground issue, we all like and want to adhere to the Constitution. Again, we probably have different ideas about what that means but we should be able to understand, we are all on the same side. What I do not understand is how people can think that the police are the greatest force ever and think the government is scary. I like police and want to be safe but I also think we need some protection from unnecessary intrusions and support Miranda. Benjamin Franklin said that ‘those who would give up liberty for security deserve neither.’ He was right.

    

5. We hate religion. One thing that bothers me sometimes about the left is that it seems to have forgotten some of the lessons of the civil rights movement, most of which began in churches. It seems to me that the desire to be a part of a religious community is similar to the desire to get involved in politics; it’s all about being part of something bigger than yourself. I am not religious but can appreciate that other people are and that is their right. Moreover, being religious is probably good for you. Studies show that people who attend religious services are healthier and happier than those who do not.

    

6. We like killing babies. No one likes this. Mike Huckabee told Jon Stewart last night that he didn’t think even the most pro-choice person likes abortion. He is right.

    

7. We want to give preferential treatment to illegal immigrants. We are all immigrants. It’s all just a question of when we got here. One of our great strengths is our diversity. That we have been able to assimilate so many different cultures and we all benefit from that.

    

   Our system depends on a number of things; a well informed electorate, multiple points of view and a vigorous discussion about the issues of the day. Note: that’s discussion not just debate where we talk past each other and no one hears what the other person says. In Fight Club, the narrator and Marla have a conversation where they agree that “when people think you are dying they really listen, not just wait for their time to speak.” It is time that we apply that principle to our political conversations.

Sarah Palin readies herself for prime time.

Anyone else think David Letterman did Governor Palin a huge favor this week?  Ever since he made jokes about her daughter, Palin has been relentless in responding.  If you have been on another planet, Letterman’s joke was directed at Bristol Palin and more Alex Rodriguez not Willow Palin but the governor seems intent on making this about statutory rape.  It wasn’t but that’s really not the point.

I think the reason she is doing this is that she knows she needs to work on her interview skills and practice does make perfect.  She has been on a rampage, talking to any press who would listen and refining her message.  Truth be told, I think it is serving her well.  Barack Obama once talked about how hard it is to speak to the media (it’s hard to talk in sound bites) and large crowds.  As the VP candidate, Palin floundered in interviews.  People loved her at rallies – that folksy way she speaks, donchaknow, can be very endearing for a lot of people – but the general public, who may not have attended any campaign events, were not impressed by her TV appearances.    I think Obama’s quote was that even he wasn’t always the Obama we know now.

And if it is not clear, Sarah Palin is running for president.  The 2012 campaign has not officially begun but in a lot of ways, it’s on.  Palin has not only been going after Letterman, she has used this ‘feud’ to attack President Obama’s policies, saying that “he is growing the government too fast.”  She also lamented the deficit.  As a side note, it’s kind of ironic that Republicans are upset about Obama’s spending.  I keep saying this and will continue to this out, where were these people during Dubya’s administration?  And no, contrary to what she says, Mrs. Palin was all too happy to accept and cash the check for that ‘bridge to nowhere.’  Earmarks and government spending are terrible, totally against everything America stands for, that is unless they help my community.

Palin is not the only GOP candidate hitting the trail; Mike Huckabee has spent a lot of time lately in Iowa.  As nice as the people are there, he’s not there for vacation.

What do you think, are you ready for another presidential campaign?

Recently I found an old folder of photos from my last trip to Paris, which was in December.  It seemed like a good opportunity to write about my favorite city. I spent my senior year of college there and fell in love the moment we landed and I saw rabbits on the Charles de Gaulle tarmac.  Of course, that year my life revolved around reading in cafés and drinking coffee and some occassional  wine & cheese.  How bad a life can that be?  My apartment was neat the Gare Austerlitz and I could walk to the Seine and across to the Centre George Pompidou or the Bastille.  The most beautiful image from there, for me is the view of sunset from the metro over the Seine.  If you take the right train you can catch it just as the light streams through Notre Dame, it’s truly breathtaking. You can see my photos here:  http://community.webshots.com/user/chadwick1789/

You didn’t ask but I am going to offer my tips anyhow.

• Getting there & around: Most people fly into  Charles de Gaulle but there is another airport, Orly.  I prefer it and if you fly in or out of there you will see why.  FYI:  There is a great bus that will take you downtown from there.
  • From CDG: The best way to get in and out of Paris from here is the RER.  It can take you straight into the heart of Paris.  Normally when I get on and off at Gare du Nord and then transfer to the metro.  It takes less time than a taxi, especially if there is traffic.  The last time I left I was alone and some people there helped me with my luggage (no Parisians are not evil nor do they hate Americans.)
  • The metro: One really easy way to get around and look more like a local, always a good thing, is to get a Carte d’Orange.  You will need a passport sized photo for the card section, this part is free.  It comes with a little grey folder (credit card sized) that will hold your card and the pass.  Just ask anyone at the metro for this.  You can then purchase the pass – they sell weekly, monthly, etc. passes.  The weekly ones work from Monday-Sunday – literally, so if you are there Thursday – Tuesday it may or may not be worth it depending on how much you plan to use it) – and can be customizable to be used though different zones.  The basic plan inlcludes zones 1 & 2, which is all of the city proper so I always get that.  You can get a small metro map that will fit in the folder.  You can also buy a packet of metro tickets if the weekly pass won’t work but I suggest you get the Carte d’Orange packet anyway, it’s free, convenient and will make you look cooler. J Remember to carry your card with you because the Parisian police so sometimes ask, especially in touristy areas.
  • The bus: Not as famous as the metro, metro passes work on the busses and they can be a great way to see the city.  If you go when the weather is nice, spring or fall, you can sit in the open part, you can get great view of the city.  Some places are easier to get by bus, such as Pere LaChaise.  That is the cemetary where Jim Morrison is buried.
  • Walk! Regardless of the time  of year, Paris is a fabulous walking city.  I tend to wander around and just take the city in.  You can find some amazing spots that way.

• Places to stay:
  • La Louisiane: My favorite hotel in the city.  It is in the 6^th arrondissement and is right near the Odeon metro and walking distance from the Latin Quarter on one side and the EiffelTower on the other.  The rooms are quaint, the staff is sweet, they have wireless internet and a breakfast if you want it.  Best deal in the city.  There are also refridgerators in the rooms and a supermarket across the street.  I cannot recommend it enough.  http://www.hotel-lalouisiane.net/
• Places to eat: If you have a bad meal in Paris, that’s a wasted meal.  Seriously.
  • Street food: Paris kicks our ass when it comes to food you can get on the street.  My favorite street food is a crepe. You can get sweet or savory crepes.  The Nutella ones are awesome but so are the lemon, sugar or cheese crepes.  LOVE THEM!!!
  • Picnics: One nice thing to do is go to a bakery, get a fresh baguette then go to a grocery store and get some cheese and whatever else.  Take it to a park and just chill.  On a nice day, this can be really relaxing.
  • Fondue: There is a restaurant near Montmatre that rocks.  Le Refuge des Foundues.  http://www.pariszoomtv.com/place.asp?p=101.  They seat everyone at set times and the meal includes an appertif, appetizer, meat or cheese fondue, a baby bottle (yes, a real baby bottle) of wine – if you are wearing lightly colored clothes I suggest you get the white wine and a desert.  Be forwarned, if you don’t like being friendly with people you don’t know, this is not the place for you. There are two long tables and we got to know fellow diners very well.
  • The Latin Quarter: The ‘hip’ area, there are a ton of places where you can go and eat either with their fixed menu or not, and you can get just about everything there.  Cheap, good and fun.
  • Fallafel (sp?): Head to the Marais and pick just about any place.  You won’t regret it.
  • Try things you may never have had before. The French may not make great cars but they make great food (except for pizza, avoid that).  I don’t recommend the restaurants with the Michelin stars because Michelin does that.
• Don’t worry about being a tourist. Serisouly.  There’s a reason people flock to certain sites and do certain things, they are fun to do or cool to see.  It’s easy to never see the sites in your home town, even if it is some amazing place like NYC or San Francisco, don’t do this in Paris.
  • Cruises down the Seine: I never did this until my last trip and think I was an idiot for it.   You can catch them all along  the Seine and most let you get on and off so it can be a great way to see all the sites along the river.  At night the views are beautiful that I can describe.
  • Notre Dame: I had an epiphany there.  If you can go there at Christmas (regardless of your religion) and not get into the holiday spirit, well then you never will get into it.  When I was there last, there was a huge tree in front, carrolers singing, the lights were up and then there was the church itself.  People were selling hot cider and chocolate out front.  Glorious.  The bridge behind Notre Dame that connects that island (Ile de la cite) to the Ile St. Louis is the most romantic spot in the city. On a different note, there is also a Holocaust memorial on that end of the island and if you can, you should see it.
  • Versailles: Built to remove nobles from the city and isolate them & control their lives (before that the palace was what is now the Louvre), the gardens are breathtaking but the palace itself is just ok.  You can take a RER train out there (you will need a separate ticket) and it is a short walk to the ground.  When I go I just walk around the gardens.  The scale is huge and I always find something new.  There is no charge to enter the gardens but there is one to get into the building or to view Marie Antionette’s village area, she went there to play milkmaiden.  I think that’s worth a look-see but that’s just me.
• My favorite places to see & go & do: My worldview changed when I studied in Paris.  I went from living in a country where I was raised that anyone who didn’t live there wanted to, to a city where people felt that way.  Totally changed my perscpective on everything.  These are some of the places that make Paris so special to me:
  • Jardin des Plantes: One of the many public gardens, this one also has a zoo.  They recently installed new glass to cover the big cat area but when I was a student it was theoretically possible to touch the lions and took all my restraint to not try to pet them.
  • Musee d’Orsay: Former train station, just great.
  • L’Orangerie: Across from the above museum, the basement is home to the biggest water lilly paintings I have ever seen.  Stunning.
  • Le Violon Dingue: An American bar in the Latin Quarter.  Cheesy?  Way.  Fun? Totally.  In college I went there because it was the first place where I really felt like I was in Paris.  Maybe it was the juxtopostion of Americans and French people, maybe it was the happy house Long Island iced teas but I try to go everytime I go to Paris.  I am a dork.
  • Go to a café in the Latin Quarter (or anywhere) and just people watch: I get a nice café crème in the morning and maybe a croissant and just relax.
  • Musee de Cluny: Latin Quarter, near the Seine.  This is the oldest museum in Paris and is usually pretty empty.
• Random tips:
  • Learn a phrase (or two) in French. Don’t speak French?  No worries!  Just tell people “Je ne parle pas français” and you will be good to go.  People there understand that not everyone speaks what used to be the international language of diplomacy but appreciate the effort. 
  • Most museums are closed on Monday. Just something to keep in mind.
  • August in Paris: Hot, icky and devoid of locals.  If you like those things, go then (you can get excellent deals then), if not wait until the fall.  April in Paris is famous and the winter can be pretty great but when the sun shines in Paris it feels like God is smiling at it.

Ok, that’s probably enough for one post.  I apologize for being so verbose. Hope you all go and enjoy the city.