For My Arlington Thugs

REPRESENT A.V. YO!

Gotta Love the Guvmint

Can't resist passing on this incredible firsthand account of an accident between D.C. parking enforcement and a Metro PD officer. HILARIOUS pics and commentary, courtesy of why.i.hate.dc. That's why they're on my blogroll.

Still Kickin + GO MAGIC!

Lest ye fear the worst, know this blog still lives!

Speaking of things that are still alive, my hometown heroes in blue, the Orlando Magic, have not been properly congratulated for their accomplishments yet this year, at least not by me, on this blog, yet. So let me take a second to rattle off my three favorite characteristics of this year's Magic, while they still have at least a couple more games to display.

First, Dwight Howard. I love having him on my team. He's a physical freak of nature who seems custom-built to deliver some of the most viscerally satisfying dunks I've ever witnessed. He brings the star skills and glamor and not the star attitude, and you've always got to respect his potential to explode.

Second, the three-ball!!! It's back in O-town, baby. As a hardcore Magic fan of the Shaq-Penny era, I vividly remember the guys they would kick it out to for the killer treys back in the day: Nick Anderson and Dennis "3-D" Scott. I have loved watching this year's squad reignite that tradition, despite the inevitable, abysmal nights when the shots don't fall (exhibit A: Game 1 vs. Lakers - so painful).

Finally (drum roll) the TEAM PLAY. That's right, like it or not, the Magic are a stellar basketball TEAM and they play as one. The fact that they are so balanced offensively is what enhances the advantages of Dwight and the three-ball while mitigating their disadvantages. Dwight doesn't hog the ball and the guards continue to run the offense through him even when the three is working, so everybody gets a chance to contribute.

So, just as I know you DIDN'T count this blog out, DON'T be too quick to dismiss the Magic angry at home for three straight against the Lakers this week, and DO feel free to root for them!

P.S. If you didn't catch it, read President Obama's speech from Cairo. It's a fantastic example of what a difference it makes to have an articulate, intelligent orator in office, and it's pretty important!

The American Reformation

"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task." - Barack Obama, January 20, 2009

These words reflect Mr. Obama's vision of the United States of America as it was, is and will be. They also reflect his conviction, made quite evident in the last 100 days or so, to ensure that his vision is fulfilled. I recently heard one very eminent and distinguished public servant, soon to retire, remark that he was amazed at the president's analysis and understanding of even relatively minor financial issues, given his hectic and diverse schedule. The man wondered when Obama had time to be briefed!

I convey this not because I wish to heap more praise onto our president, but to justify my relief that the commander in chief finally has a sensible view of the world! What's more, this view is necessary, in my opinion, if Obama is to preside over what history may look upon as the American Reformation of the 21st Century. By American Reformation, I don't mean anything having to do with religion; in fact, this period is one in which religion will hopefully play a much smaller role than it has in critical historical eras past.

Rather, I refer quite literally to the reforming of the United States - mainly governmentally, in the concrete sense - but also, gradually and less radically, beyond that, into the broader political and social and cultural realms that define the nation. This may sound unlikely, but please consider the following:

1. The main opposition to political and social reform in the United States, by and large, is the Republican Party. The Republican Party has currently flat-lined. They are about to lose their last major check on Congressional Dems when Specter switches, and with it their last toehold on political power and relevancy. They are leaderless. They offer no meaningful opposition or input, that I can tell, regarding Obama's political plans, which are quite ambitious.

Perhaps most damning, they know they have lost the trust of many, many people - in fact, beyond their 64% congressional disapproval rating, the Republican name has obviously been tarnished in itself, as the Washington Post reports that only 21% will self-identify as Republicans, while 38% opted for Independent and 35% Democrat. The point is, there is no check to balance out Obama and Co. in their drive toward reform.

2. The collective brainstorming has begun. In fact, I'd say it had begun long before G.W. hit the old dusty trail back down to Texas. Obviously, in the areas of health care, energy and education - the Prez's big three priorities besides saving the economy/winning two wars - people are getting excited. My previous post highlighted educational reform ideas that are starting to gain traction. Here's another remarkable idea from Mark Taylor concerning graduate education.

But beyond those issues, politicians and plain old, right-thinking Americans are keen to do what they do best: discuss and improve. Even issues as obscure as defense acquisition reform (actually quite important, considering the monstrosity that is the DOD budget) are heating up. Basically, attach reform to any normal political issue and you've got the issues of today, the post-Bush, post-Reagan, post-Cold War, post-20th century America.

3. The kids are our future. Yep, although it's somewhat frightening even to me, the pace of retirement is picking up and our nation is aging, meaning the next generation of statesmen and CEOs and scientists needs to step up at an increasing pace. The steady hand of the baby boomers on the levers of power in this country has already begun to relax its hold, if the current administration is any indication, meaning some silly, archaic policies, like blanket prohibition of cannabis, will no doubt finally be ushered out the door as well. Youth are also, I'm told, not afraid of radical political change; in fact, they often seem to embrace it.

But with great power comes great responsibility, and the demands placed upon the next generation, the challenges we must face if we are to fulfill our highest national potential, are obviously complex and varied. They will require vigilance both domestically and abroad (something Americans haven't been good at, in the past) as well as careful forethought and consideration. The capacity of this generation to meet these challenges remains the one major question mark regarding this coming period of flux, in my mind; despite the campaign slogan, I still wonder, can we? Will we?

Taken together, these factors seem to set the stage for a period of serious, intense reform and reshaping of at least the governmental and political aspects of America, if not some of the social and cultural as well. But this is why I write. I don't want the American Reformation to take place without Americans being involved. Organically, demographically, socially, politically, the nation will change and evolve on its own, but if the consciousness of the American public, at least in some part, can be actively directed toward and engaged and attentive to that evolution, I think that we'll end up with a much, much more durable and satisfactory result - an America that can look eagerly forward to the benefits of the future, rather than one that must instead anxiously and intently focus on the obstacles and difficulties that lie so clearly ahead. I guess what I'm saying, overall, is pay attention and get to work, America, because your future is now, and you can't afford to miss it.

Non-Weed-Related Roundup

Happy 420! But just to be contrary, here's what else is up, besides national support for the end to blanket federal cannabis prohibition:

Item 1: Walter Isaacson, who comes off to me as quite a smart man, penned this solid op-ed piece on American education for Time Magazine. As a recent product of the American educational system through college at a top-tier institution, I can attest to the fact that the lack of actual learning and skills-gaining by students in our schools is apalling and frightening.

I just spent four years at one of the nation's best universities, and let me tell you, those four years were a hell of a lot easier than the four that I spent at a small, private high school in Florida - not a state renowned for educational rigor. Is that how it's supposed to be? Each student more or less gets the basics and then the advantaged ones party through college and make "connections" while the rest struggle to catch up, keep up, and then be competitive when the job interviews come around? Is that what keeps America competitive - the strength of her students' connections? I think not.

In fact, tangentially, the whole importance of personal connections in our economy both fascinates and disgusts me. Sure, there's no problem with getting your brother's girlfriend's sister some low-level internship or some job that doesn't really require special thought or skill (especially when said person possesses very little special thought or skill), but honestly, when important jobs start getting handed out on the basis of "connections," harm is done not only to the specific candidates and company involved, but to the country on a broader level.

Just look at the Bush administration - how many inept, incompetent people were on the government payroll over the course of the last eight years because they had worked on Bush's campaign or because they knew some Republican power-broker? How did that work out? Take even a quick glance at Wall Street firms right now (and as someone familiar with a good many brand new business school grads, I can say this with confidence) and I bet you'll notice a distinct air of what-the-hell-are-we-doing-my-dad-got-me-this-job-and-told-me-it-would-be-easy-ness. In other words, connections should not be the sort of automatic job-getter they are in way too many industries and important companies these days.

But I digress. Isaacson's call for national education standards is much-needed and long-delayed. And you know it's serious if the president of the nation's biggest teacher's union, one Ms. Randi Weingarten, is openly and loudly agreeing with him. As the prez sez, this is a key priority for our country. Do what you can to make it happen.

Item 2: Finally, the other side of the piracy story is coming out. Before touching on that, let me just say that the mainstream media's infatuation with piracy is ridiculous. I should not have all my major news outlets focusing on one fucking boat captain and his exploits against a motley crew of Somalians. I mean, that was probably the most interesting part of this whole running meme, and it's still not news! Take a look at the relative statistics, people - piracy accounts for less than one percent of ANYTHING.

It's a completely insignificant proportion of overall international trade that gets disrupted. Well, it's only significant to the commercial fishermen who raid Somalia's wide open, plentiful waters and the Europeans who routinely ship toxic, nuclear waste down there and offer it up (down?) to Davy Jones. On the brighter side, maybe this sad fact will actually get some airtime now that the issue is being examined in somewhat more thorough and adult ways. I do have to give credit to Johann Hari, who brought up the unmentioned side of this story even in its infancy (on the blogosphere, of course). I mean, MSM, if you're going to waste time examining this issue on the national news, at least do it journalistic justice and spend five seconds explaining that the pirates have a purpose and a grievance and a history - maybe do that instead of whatever lame-ass piracy joke you had planned?

Item 3: Happy 420! Oh, did I, like, say that already or something?

Don't Stop Now, America!

Recently, Attorney General Holder has made clear that federal resources will no longer be utilized to target or prosecute Americans seeking to manufacture or distribute marijuana unless they are breaking both federal and state laws. While this is fantastic news for many suffering individuals in need of medical marijuana and also signals a very sensible change in executive policy and perspective regarding cannabis, the plain and simple truth is: Mr. Holder has not gone far enough, and neither has anyone else in government save the Mr. Tom Ammiano, the California assemblyman who introduced the measure to fully legalize and regulate and tax cannabis like tobacco or alcohol.

Honestly, the fact that such MSM bastions as Time magazine are just coming around to the realization that legalization is the will of the people (well, the cool people at least) is truly perplexing to me. Are there no stoners in the mainstream media establishment? No wonder the blogosphere is all over it - exhibit A: awesome story on AlterNet.

And while I'm on the subject, I have to say, the faux-objectivity that is the hallmark of the MSM positively reeks out of Time's recent coverage of the subject. The main opposition argument is that if cannabis is legalized, a mysterious "social toll" will be exacted on society.

Allow me to respond, Sirs Joel Hay and John Lovell. First, the "social toll" is being taken whether marijuana is legal or not, my friends. Wake up and smell the weed. Seriously. Take a walk around your town or your apartment complex and see if you don't detect a certain distinct odor on the breeze, because chances are, some of your neighbors smoke marijuana. And this generalization, ironically, applies to many, many subsets of America. Weed is quite possibly as popular in the Deep South as it is on the West Coast, and the Northeast and Midwest have their own large regional markets as well. Sure, cannabis flows into this country across the border from Mexico (and Canada, incidentally) but chances are, you can find some good old American homegrown right in your town.

The same goes for Americans of every socioeconomic status, race, class, gender and even, at this point, generation. Damn near a majority of Americans support legalization in this country, and I'm willing to bet that with a reversal of decades-long government-funded propaganda campaigns and a serious look at the issue, that number would top 50 percent easily.

My point is, the status quo is unacceptable in a lot of ways. The bottom line is that marijuana in America is a reality; we need to deal with it rather than denying it. But clearly, the reality of the situation does not sway you. You claim that "easy availability would lead to a surge" in the use of marijuana. Yes, let's discuss this part of it, because this is where the deal gets sweet, and this is why Tom Ammiano is a hero and Eric Holder is only pretty cool.

As it happens, I tried a basic little pros-and-cons thought experiment today, pondering the likely effects of legalization, taxation and regulation policies, more or less properly implemented by the state governments, which is basically my optimal legalization scenario. Here are the cons: number one - perhaps more people trying the drug. Definitely a marginal increase in risk of general stonedness across U.S. population. No physical risks, since overdose is impossible and even long-term use has no link to cancer. (Tashkin is a cool dude, btw.).

Seriously, there would perhaps be a larger rehab burden because yes, there could potentially be more cases of abuse, at first. But, I would say those people would not only be better off in rehab than in jail (for their sake and the sake of our overcrowded prisons and overworked court systems), but would also represent a decreasing proportion of marijuana users as the drug became normalized into society and thereby subject to the rules of social norms. Honestly, if you want to convince people not to use marijuana, prohibiting it is shooting yourself in the foot before the race even begins.

The smarter way to go about it is to normalize the drug and bring it within effective social control, like alcohol or tobacco, more or less, except with less physical harm to people. Common-sense regulations like a smoking age and no smoking in public are easy to enforce and will go far to setting boundaries and limits of acceptable times and places. There is plenty of good medical literature about the physiological effects of marijuana, as well as the immediate effects of its use. Public education and public health campaigns regarding the drug would go a lot farther than those ridiculous ONDCP ads.

And that thing about ease of availability goes both ways, which is where the deal really gets sweetened. By legalizing cannabis, you allow those who would use it avoid patronizing criminals and arranging shady drug deals, providing them a safe, regulated option. By the way, we the people of this good land can also tax that option for a pretty penny. Guess what the number one cash crop in the United States is? Hello, Mary Jane!

You want to talk about big business in America? And if you're thinking gangs and black market cartels, think again. Think professional botanists and horticulturalists. Think co-ops and licensed distributors. Think about a brand spanking new domestic industry sprouting up smack dab in the middle of a depression. Look up Oaksterdam University; they're already handing out degrees. People can see this coming and they want to be legitimate about it. They know there are billions to be made and many, many direly sorely jobs in the pot as well. All they need is for their representatives to actually represent.

This is a basic cost-benefit analysis. It's not hard to do. One of the reasons I'm so impassioned about this issue, besides my opinion that it could make real, noticeable, positive changes in the country, is the fact that it's such an easy issue to decide and deal with. I mean, Prohibition Era, anybody? If there's one thing Americans know, it's that market forces dictate behavior. As long as there's money to be made in weed, and large money at that, there will be growers and there will be traffickers; it all depends on how they're treated by government and society as to whether the socioeconomics of the situation work in the national interest or against it.

The seeds of this revolution in American attitudes toward cannabis were sown long ago. Most recently, they've found fertile soil in an era of forward-looking and forward-thinking change. This administration and this generation seem poised to reap the bounty that legalization could bring; will we dare to act?

WOOT!!!

Huzzah for Holder! The brand spankin new attorney general (a.k.a. the "top cop" of the United States government) has officially announced an end to all DEA raids on medi-pot (medical marijuana) dispensaries in the states! Add to this Assemblyman Ammiano's legalization measure (AB 390) and California is looking like it's about to become the weed mecca of the U.S. Too bad the other states won't be taking advantage of the same windfalls...

More to come on this later, but for now, just a hip, hip, hooray for common freaking sense!!!

Tampa Bay Bucs version 2.0

(Full disclosure: I have two sports loyalties of any significance - the Hoyas and the Buccaneers. This post concerns the latter.) The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have traditionally found success on the gridiron through tenacious, turnover-and-touchdown-producing defense and a disciplined, if predictable, running game. Despite a hopeful season that only truly turned sour in the last four weeks, the team has apparently decided to launch a MAJOR rethinking of Bucs football, offensively and defensively.

As ESPN reports, Tampa Bay has cut loose John Gruden and Monte Kiffin (left on his own, I guess, to join son Lane at Tennessee), the offensive and defensive masterminds behind its sole Super Bowl, as well as such key veteran players as Derrick Brooks, Warrick Dunn, Cato June, Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard. Clearly, with the former Bucs defensive coach Raheem Morris taking over as head coach, Tampa Bay has decided it's time to look toward the future, rather than relying on the past.

But what future is this? Besides Earnest Graham and the Antonio Bryant (breakout year this year, as my fantasy foes will attest), Dunn and Galloway were the Bucs' main offensive threats, and now the team will be led by either a draft pick, some journeyman like Leftwich or Losman, or, most likely, Luke McCown, in whom I place somewhat little faith. The new offensive coordinator, Jeff Jagodzinski ("Jags") seems to have decided upon a wilder, West Coast-style offense, but it remains unclear how effective his limited arsenal of weapons will prove in that scheme.

Defensively, the famous Bucs cover 2 has been abandoned in favor of...who knows what? No doubt, the Bucs defense will remain fundamentally solid, as it has been historically, but will it continue to produce the turnovers and touchdowns necessary to keep the team ahead? If the defense proves weaker, will the new offense be able to take up the slack on the scoreboard so early? Obviously, questions abound regarding the Bucs' reorganization and new strategy. One thing's for sure: This won't be last year's Bucs taking the field come fall.

California In the Weeds

Real American Hero and California Assemblyman Tom Ammiano has just introduced a measure (AB 390) that would fully legalize cannabis in California. This is a huge development in the battle for common sense drug policy, and in my view, it is the happy result of a confluence of critical factors.

First, the state of California came in at a whopping $42 billion over budget this year. Schwarzenegger whipped the legislatial goons into action and they have just signed a bill to close the massive deficit (which includes tax hikes, fee increases on cars, etc.) but the state will still have to borrow to fully regain fiscal solvency.

Well, it just so happens that Assemblyman Ammanio's bill would produce over $1 billion in hard cash directly into state coffers from taxes and up to an additional $18 billion in economic side benefits. Pop Quiz: What's California's biggest cash crop? Answer: Cannabis.

Second, California wants to help Mexico reduce the horrendous drug violence that is taking place in its northern states and already beginning to spill over the border. One way, and perhaps the most effective way, is to attack the demand side of the economic drug equation by legalizing marijuana in the states.

Third, California, long a bastion of good, progressive American liberalism, has a history of tolerance and - I'm sure you'll agree if you've been there - even encouragement regarding cannabis. If immediate legalization were to work anywhere in the U.S., it would be on the left coast first. There is no question: Tom Ammiano's bill represents the most encouraging step forward in the legalization movement so far. Rest assured, The Daily Taylor will be following the saga of AB 390 very closely.

P.S. Don't take my word for it: Ask the police chiefs and officers involved in LEAP about legalization of cannabis.

A New Day Roundup

Even in dark and turbulent times, there are hopeful signs...

Item 1: Congratulations, America: you've won yourself a much more competent presidential administration! Exhibit A is Obama's handling of the DOD's request for a bigger commitment in Afghanistan, as soon as possible. Rather than rubber stamping the "best military advice" provided by the Joint Chiefs as his predecessor did, President Obama seems much more inclined to allow long-term and strategic thinking guide his military decision-making.

Exhibit B is his well-advised dumping of the "car czar" idea in favor of a very thorough and comprehensive restructuring process. Glad to see the auto companies not getting their way; perhaps they'll actually be held accountable and radically redesigned. Scott Corwin knows what I'm talking about.

And finally, Exhibit C concerns a little-publicized yet very important issue: the 2010 U.S. Census. The foundation for many of the most fundamental and well-supported statistics regarding the national populace (and the funding that depends on them) has come under threat from 8 years of Bush administration mismanagement. After Gregg Judd's 15 pointless minutes in the spotlight, it's good to see that Obama's team has their priorities straight. Get the Census straightened out first; deal with the politics and Commerce appointment later.

Item 2: Some of my favorite bloggers are also on point lately. Hilzoy has an especially good contribution regarding filibuster reform ideas. For the record, I'm definitely on the side of drastically reforming or possibly removing (except in the case of judicial nominations) the filibuster. As Hilzoy points out, its important to look at the incentives in the structure and make sure they work in the interests of the majority.

Also, Steve Benen reality checks a heinous George Will article propagating bad science on climate change. Not content with the intellectual appetizer, Lynch goes on to administer more hurt to the Republican Party generally for their shameful stalling on the economic recovery plan. Respect the roots!

Item 3: Momentum continues to grow for rethinking and reforming America's federal drug policy, especially regarding marijuana. A panel of three former Latin American heads of state has issued a condemnation of the War on Drugs as a failure. Ben Morris and Joshua Goodman provide virtual commentary. Also, the probable drug czar replacement looks like a step in teh right direction, albeit a small step.