I'm So Glad 2017 Is Coming To An End

As I write this there are seven hours left in the year 2017. This year can't end soon enough.

On a global scale, we have a fool for a President and a critical mass of people who are willing to follow him without question. Those who have reservations about Mr. Trump seem all too willing to look the other way when get their 30 pieces of silver be it a tax cut or a judicial appointment. On the other hand, many of those who oppose President Trump thumb their noses at his supporters instead of trying to change their minds. It is a crowd which equates speech with violence and is so narrowly focused on identity politics that it cannot see the big picture.

Of course, at the end of every year the world is full of war, poverty and terrorism resulting in anger, misery and sadness. So what makes 2017 different from any other year?

In years past, I have been able to deal with the world's shortcomings because I had a place in it. As 2017 comes to an end, I don't know my place in the world. Despite the impending Trump Administration, 2017 began well for me. I was published in National Review Online for the first time and would write six articles in all. Although I didn't care if I never got paid to write an article again when I left The American Spectator in August 2016 I would be lying if I said this didn't give me a certain amount of satisfaction. Then there was my paralegal career. I had begun that career in September 2016 as a federal contractor with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. I discussed that career with the Director of the Paralegal Studies Program at Boston University back in April.

But then while I was visiting my Dad in New York City, I got word that I had lost my job. Honestly, I thought I was going to be promoted. Nearly six months has passed. This is the first time I've written about this ordeal. I have refrained from doing so because my troubles seemed trivial compared to those who lost their homes during Hurricanes Harvey, Irma & Jose and those who lost their lives while attending a church in Texas, attending a concert in Las Vegas or getting shot by the police opening the front door in Wichita, Kansas. I have life and have a roof over my head.

Nevertheless, things have been quite stressful. After nearly half a year, I have applied for more than 325 jobs and have had more than 20 job interviews (excluding meetings with legal recruiters) and have nothing to show for it. My age is beginning to show to employers. This state of affairs cannot continue indefinitely. Something will have to give in early 2018.

This setback has not been entirely negative though. I went from 185 pounds to 158 pounds on what I call the stress and swim diet. I've been able to swim 100 laps a week at my local pool while eating far more sensibly. Lots of veggies and whole grains, less added sugars, a little fish, very little poultry and no beef. Despite what prospective employers might think, I am in much better shape at 45 than I was at 35 and am better condition to deal with what is in front of me. For once, I won't have to resolve to lose weight in the New Year. I can be content to resolve to continue what I am doing.

For me the New Year doesn't truly begin until I've spent the day watching Marx Brothers movies. So on January 1st, my roommate Christopher Kain and I will head to the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge to begin the year with a laugh. Perhaps it will do me a world of good on January 2nd when I have my first job interview of the year. Hopefully it will be the one which removes me from my current litany. If it does then perhaps it will beginning of good things to come for me in 2018. In which case, I hope such good fortune can be shared. Happy New Year.

Trump: I Have Absolute Right To Do What I Want To Do With The Justice Department

In an interview with The New York Times, President Trump was asked if he planned to reopen the Hillary Clinton e-mail investigation. His response began with this statement:

What I’ve done is, I have absolute right to do what I want to do with the Justice Department.

Now there is no question that Trump, or whoever sits in the Oval Office, has broad powers where it concerns DOJ or any other government department. He has the authority to hire and fire as he sees fit and can set policy direction and priority. 

But President Trump does not have the "absolute right" to direct the DOJ to open a civil or criminal investigation into someone because they criticize him or because he lost an argument with Melania. 

The fact that Trump believes he possess this "absolute right" is very dangerous and will be even more dangerous if Congress or the Courts do not see fit to check his power. Certainly the courts have clipped Trump's wings where it concerns the Muslim travel ban so there is hope should he see fit to put his "absolute right" into practice. Of course, the problem here is that Congress and the Supreme Court view their relationship with Trump as a rubber stamp. This will only encourage and reinforce his demagoguery and his delusions. 

The Wichita Police Must Be Held To Account For The Death of Andrew Finch

This makes me sick to my stomach. 

A man from Los Angeles in an online gaming dispute calls police in Wichita, Kansas and says there is a hostage situation. But the man in L.A. gives the wrong address. When the man answers the door he is shot dead by the SWAT team. Andrew Finch was 28 years old. 

According to Troy Livingston, the Deputy Chief of the Wichita Police Department, "Due to the actions of a prankster we have an innocent victim."

No, we have an innocent victim because of the actions of one of your police officers.

Don't get me wrong. I have no sympathy for Tyler Barriss who made the hoax call and his since been arrested for his involvement in the incident. I am also well aware that when the police receive such a call that they must take it seriously. But this outcome is entirely the responsibility of the Wichita Police. When Livingston makes such a statement he is telling us the if the SWAT team comes to your home you can expect to die. In which case, none of us are safe. The police are supposed to uphold the law and prevent the loss of life. The Wichita Police did neither in this case. 

The officer responsible has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation. It wouldn't surprise if this officer isn't charged with Finch's death. If he is then I would expect him to be acquitted much like the officer in Arizona who was acquitted earlier this month for the 2016 shooting death of Daniel Shaver outside of his hotel room. Police had received a call from other hotel guests who alleged they saw a shadow of a gun in Shaver's room. As it turned out, Shaver was a bug exterminator and was showing a couple of his friends the pellet gun he used on the job. And for this he is dead.

In all likelihood, the best the Finch family can hope is to file a lawsuit against the city and obtain a seven figure settlement. Even if his family is provided for they cannot bring him back to life. Unless states see fit to change their laws with respect to the use of deadly force by law enforcement then the police effectively have a licence to kill in this country.

The police cannot protect and serve if the people believe they need protection from them. I have a bad feeling there will be a lot more Daniel Shavers and Andrew Finches before anyone steps up and does the right thing.

Will The Iran Protests Lead To a Persian Spring?

In the space of 24 hours, protests in Iran have escalated from anger about government price hikes on food to protests against the government itself. Protesters have called for the ouster of President Rouhani and the Islamic Republic itself.

This represents the largest protests in Iran since June 2009 following an "election" which saw then "re-election" of then President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad before security forces brutally took them down. At the time, President Obama said America mustn't be seen as "meddling" in support of the protesters. By contrast, President Trump has tweeted in support of the protesters:

Many reports of peaceful protests by Iranian citizens fed up with regime’s corruption & its squandering of the nation’s wealth to fund terrorism abroad. Iranian govt should respect their people’s rights, including right to express themselves. The world is watching! #IranProtests

This is definitely the most sensible thing he has ever tweeted.

I suspect Trump's support will embolden the protesters. In which case, we could have a Persian Spring on our hands. The question is how long will the regime wait before it sees fit to crush the protests. Should they violently quash the protest then what will Trump's move be in response? Will he cancel the Iran nuclear deal? Will he contemplate a military invasion? Or will there be a covert effort to support indigenous forces to overthrow the regime? Or will supporters of the Iran nuclear deal like Mattis and Tillerson convince Trump to do an about face and abandon the protesters?

I have a feeling this could become the biggest story in the world in 2018.

Are The Rockies Better Off With Wade Davis Than Greg Holland As Their Closer?

I find it fascinating that Wade Davis has essentially replaced Greg Holland as the closer for the Colorado Rockies after Davis signed a three year, $52 million contract with the Denver based team. The deal makes Davis the highest paid closer in MLB history.

Of course what is so fascinating about this development is because Davis and Holland were two-thirds of one of the best bullpen triumvirates in MLB history with the Kansas City Royals. Without Davis, Holland and Kelvin Herrera, the Royals would not have won back to back AL pennants in 2014 and 2015 and the 2015 World Series which was the team's first championship in 30 years. If the Royals led the game after six innings in those two seasons they were going to win the game 99% of the time with Herrera pitching the seventh, Davis pitching the eighth and Holland closing the game in the ninth.

Now it must be remembered that Holland tore his UCL late in the 2015 season requiring Tommy John surgery which meant Davis became the closer that post-season and into 2016. The Royals subsequently released Holland, but then would also trade Davis in the last off-season to the Chicago Cubs in a deal which brought outfielder Jorge Soler to Kansas City. Meanwhile, Holland signed a one year deal with the Rockies.

Both Davis and Holland had great seasons in 2017 and helped their clubs get to the post-season. Davis appeared in 59 games and over 58.2 innings pitched he struck out 79 batters while walking 28 earning 32 saves. Holland appeared in 61 games and over 57.1 innings pitched he struck out 70 batters while walking 26 earning 41 saves which tied him for the NL lead with Kenley Jansen of the Dodgers. I'm sure no one was surprised at Davis' performance in 2017, but few could have expected such a big rebound for Holland. To boot, Holland was part of a Rockies team which made the post-season for the first time since 2009.

It's true that Davis had a better won loss record and ERA than Holland (4-2 2.30 vs. 3-6 3.61). But let's keep in mind that Holland had to pitch much of his games at Coors Field. I suspect that Davis' ERA will elevate as he moves west.

Holland had a player option for 2018 which would have saw him make $15 million, but he elected to become a free agent. As it stands now, Davis will earn $17.3 million a year over the life of his contract. I'm not sure why the Rockies were't prepared to offer Holland the sort of  money they offered Davis. Both men are 32 and, in fact, Holland is younger by a couple of months. The only reason I can think of is that they fear a second Tommy John for Holland. But I think all pitchers are a pitch away from tearing their UCL.

So are the Rockies better off with Davis than Holland as their closer? This, in part, will depend on where Holland ends up signing. As of this moment, the two most likely destinations are with the Washington Nationals and the St. Louis Cardinals. To me, the Cardinals are the more logical destination. After all, the Nats already have an embarrassment of riches in this area with Ryan Madson, Brandon Kintzler and Sean Doolittle as their bullpen triumvirate. If Mike Rizzo isn't satisfied with this then I don't see how adding Holland to mix will help matters. I think Holland would be a very nice fit at Busch Stadium.

Could you imagine a 2018 NLCS between the Rockies and Cardinals with Davis and Holland as those team's respective closers? I certainly could.

Remembering My Twitter Exchange With Rose Marie

I was saddened to learn of the passing of singer and actress Rose Marie at the age of 94.

Just over a year ago, Rose Marie and I crossed paths on Twitter. In December 2016, CBS rebroadcast two colorized episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show. I noted that Dick Van Dyke, Carl Reiner and Mary Tyler Moore were still with us. Needless to say, I omitted Rose Marie and I was reminded of this fact by none other than Rose Marie herself.

So when CBS rebroadcast another two DVD episodes last week I made sure to tell people that Rose Marie was still with us.

With 2017 coming to a close both Mary Tyler Moore and Rose Marie have left for heavenly pastures. We can only hope Dick Van Dyke and Carl Reiner don't join them anytime soon.

Rose Marie found a way to thrive in vaudeville, on record, on radio, on television and on Twitter and made all of those mediums better. R.I.P.

Guatemala, Honduras & Panama Plan to Move Their Embassies to Jerusalem But There's a Catch

I am no more excited by the announcements from the governments of Guatemala, Honduras and Panama declaring their intention to move their embassies to Jerusalem than I was when President Trump declared Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The reason for my lack of enthusiasm is that their plans are contingent on the United States moving its embassy from Tel Aviv first. Trump can declare Jerusalem the capital of Israel all he wants, but as long as he continues to extend the six month presidential waiver as he has already done twice then the American embassy isn't going anywhere with his successor free to also to extend the presidential waiver and possibly reverse course on Jerusalem altogether. It will render Trump's declaration meaningless and, by extension, render meaningless the declarations put forward by Guatemala, Honduras and Panama or any other nation state.

I wish supporters of President Trump would read the fine print when it comes to such things.

Memo to Mike Huckabee: Trump Is No Churchill

Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas Governor, GOP presidential also ran and sperm donor to the current White House Press Secretary, worships not at the altar of Christ, but of President Trump. He tweeted that Trump is our Winston Churchill:

Churchill was hated by his own party, opposition party, and press. Feared by King as reckless, and despised for his bluntness. But unlike Neville Chamberlain, he didn't retreat. We had a Chamberlain for 8 yrs; in @realDonaldTrump we have a Churchill.

To be sure, Churchill made his fair share of enemies going from Conservative to Liberal back to Conservative. There were years spent in the political wilderness. But when Churchill supplanted Chamberlain from power in 1940 he did so with the support of both the Tories and the Labour Party. President Trump only talks to Republicans in Congress when he browbeats them.

I would also agree that President Obama behaved in a very Chamberlain-like fashion especially where it concerned Iran and indeed I have argued this point. But we remain a party to the Iran nuclear deal. So how is Trump anything like Churchill? While our military forces have weakened ISIS in Iraq and Syria I think it premature to declare "mission accomplished." Let's see where things are at in a year's time. ISIS might very well regroup by then.

It was Churchill who stood up to Stalin and warned the world of the Iron Curtain while visiting this country. When Trump is confronted by Putin's misdeeds his response is to say that we do plenty of killing of our own.

I'm not so sure Huckabee would necessarily want to compare Trump to Churchill. Despite his gallant leadership during WWII, British voters overwhelmingly rejected him in favor of Clement Attlee's Labour Party in the 1945 general election. It's true that Churchill bested Attlee six years later, but does anyone think Trump wants to be another Grover Cleveland?

Let's also remember that Churchill was a great writer and historian having authored numerous non-fiction books including a six volume set of The Second World War and the four volume A History of The English Speaking Peoples. Trump required a ghost writer to put together The Art of The Deal. 

How can Huckabee honestly believe Trump is our Churchill? Donald Trump utterly lacks Churchill's coherence, eloquence, wit, leadership and the ability to discern good from evil.

Lorde Joins Israel Boycott; Cancels Concert in Tel Aviv But Still Plans To Play Two Shows in Russia

Lorde, the New Zealand born pop singer best known for her 2013 international hit "Royals", has announced the cancellation of a concert in Tel Aviv which was scheduled to take place on June 5, 2018. The 21-year old singer-songwriter bowed to pressure after receiving an open letter from the BDS movement. Lorde thanked BDS for "educating her."

It is well worth noting that Lorde is scheduled to perform two concerts in Russia in May 2018. On May 29th, she performs in Saint Petersburg and two days later there will be a concert in Moscow.

One of the central arguments of BDS to Lorde was that her appearance "will be seen as giving support to the policies of the Israeli government, even if you make no comment on the political situation." Given the fact the Russian government murders journalists and its political opponents one could also argue that by performing in Russia could be perceived as supporting their government, even if she makes no comment on the political situation.

If Lorde is prepared to boycott Israel then why not boycott Russia whose human rights record is infinitely worse? Or does Lorde reserve her boycotts for Jews?

There's a Good Chance Trump Made Those Derogatory Remarks About Haitians & Nigerians

The New York Times has stated President Trump made derogatory remarks about Haitians and Nigerians during an Oval Office meeting back in June:

According to six officials who attended or were briefed about the meeting, Mr. Trump began reading aloud from the document, which his domestic policy adviser, Stephen Miller, had given him just before meeting. The document listed how many immigrants had received visas to enter the United States in 2017.

More than 2,500 were from Afghanistan, a terrorist haven, the president complained.

Haiti sent 15,000 people. They "all have AIDS", he grumbled, according to one person who attended the meeting and another person who was briefed about it by a different person who was there.

Forty thousand had come from Nigeria, Mr. Trump added. Once they had been in the United States, they would never "go back to their huts" in Africa, recalled two officials, who asked for anonymity to discuss a sensitive conversation in the Oval Office.

Of course, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders denies Trump made the comments and so do Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense James Mattis and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly who was the Secretary of Homeland Security at the time of the meeting.

But I do not believe them.

Let us remember we are talking about a man who began his presidential campaign by referring to Mexican as rapists and drug dealers. Let us remember we are talking about a man who didn't believe a federal judge could perform his job because of his family's Mexican heritage.

If Donald Trump is capable of calling Mexicans rapists and drug dealers and capable of saying Mexican heritage disqualifies someone from being a federal judge then why isn't he capable of claiming Haitians have AIDS or Nigerians live in huts?

It is well worth noting that last month the Trump Administration ended Temporary Protected Status for about 60,000 Haitians currently living in the United States due to the 2010 earthquake on the impoverished island. This raises the question if Trump's personal animosity towards Haitians resulted in a change in U.S. policy.

Naturally, there will be a significant segment of Trump supporters who will dismiss this report as fake news. But there will also be a significant segment of Republicans who believe Trump said these things but as long as Trump appoints conservative judges and signs a tax cut into law they will not care.

There are those of us who believe that the appointment of conservative judges and signing tax cuts into law aren't enough to overcome bad character, but we are few in number and yield little influence.

As long as this is the case then it is a certainty that a majority of the country will shrug off Trump's remarks about Haitians and Nigerians just as they shrugged off his remarks about Mexicans when they pulled a lever for him in November 2016.

These people would be on Santa's naughty list, but alas there is no Santa Claus. Instead we elected a Grinch.

Dick Enberg, R.I.P.

Legendary sportscaster Dick Enberg died suddenly on Thursday morning of an apparent heart attack. He was scheduled to fly to Boston to meet with family for the holidays. He would have turned 83 on January 9th.

Enberg spent six decades broadcasting, mostly with NBC, broadcasting virtually every sport you could think of - baseball, football, basketball, boxing, horse racing, golf and especially tennis covering all four majors. He may have been best known for hosting the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Enberg finished his broadcasting career in baseball as a TV broadcaster for the San Diego Padres before retiring in 2016. His departure was overshadowed by that of his peer Vin Scully.

The video above is an interview Enberg did with Johnny Carson on May 28, 1980. They discuss the U.S. Olympic trials which NBC broadcast in prime time as recompense for American athletes unable compete in the Moscow Olympics. R.I.P.

Nikki Haley Makes Empty Threats As The UN General Assembly Makes an Empty Vote on Jerusalem

Perhaps it is my advancing age accompanied by an advancing cynicism, but I find both the UN General Assembly vote against U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley's response to be tedious.

The UN isn't behaving any differently today than it has for decades. Its condemnation of Israel is de rigueur. Indeed, one would be hard pressed to find an entity more worthy of condemnation than the UN General Assembly. It is a democratic assembly consisting mainly of members who do not practice democracy at home. Indeed, Haley herself made reference to this fact when she stated, "Unlike in some UN member countries, the United States government is answerable to its people."

It was a good line, but otherwise Haley's remarks are full of sound and fury:

Instead, there is a larger point to make. The United States will remember this day in which it was singled out for attack in the General Assembly for the very act of exercising our right as a sovereign nation. We will remember it when we are called upon to once again make the world’s largest contribution to the United Nations. And we will remember it when so many countries come calling on us, as they so often do, to pay even more and to use our influence for their benefit.

America will put our embassy in Jerusalem. That is what the American people want us to do, and it is the right thing to do. No vote in the United Nations will make any difference on that.


But this vote will make a difference on how Americans look at the UN and on how we look at countries who disrespect us in the UN. And this vote will be remembered.

Let's consider some of the 129 countries which voted in favor of the resolution.

Does anyone honestly think the Trump Administration will sour on Vladimir Putin because of Russia's vote?

Does anyone honestly think the Trump Administration will see fit to reduce military aid to Egypt or Pakistan because of their votes?

Does anyone honestly think the Trump Administration will reduce U.S. oil imports from Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates because of their votes?

Does anyone honestly think the Trump Administration will start a trade war with China because of this vote?

Does anyone honestly think the Trump Administration take any action against Turkey for co-sponsoring the resolution given Trump's admiration for President Erdogan?

Does anyone honestly think the Trump Administration will withdraw from the UN?

Does anyone honestly think the Trump Administration will actually move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem? Amid all the fanfare of recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, President Trump also extended the six month waiver as Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have done before him. There is every reason to believe he'll continue issuing these waivers for the remainder of his presidency with his successor picking up right where he left off.

Finally, does anyone honestly think the Trump Administration will take any action against the Palestinian Authority? It must be remembered that Congress controls the purse string and has been struggling to pass the Taylor Force Act which would cut off aid to the PA for its payments to convicted terrorists and their families.

Needless to say, I don't believe any countries who voted in favor of today's Jerusalem resolution in the UN General Assembly will lose any sleep for over Nikki Haley's threats for they are as empty as President Trump's tweets.

Rays Trade Evan Longoria to San Francisco But Will He Leave His Heart in St. Petersburg?

The Tampa Bay Rays have traded third baseman Evan Longoria to the San Francisco Giants for veteran outfielder Denard Span, infielder Christian Arroyo and two minor league pitchers.

To put it simply Longoria is the greatest player to ever put on a Rays uniform. In 10 big league seasons at Tropicana Field, Longoria has collected 1,471 hits for a .270 lifetime batting average with 261 home runs and 892 RBI. Longoria has hit at least 20 home runs a season in 9 of his 10 campaigns. He won AL Rookie of the Year in 2008, has been named to three AL All-Star teams and has thrice won the AL Gold Glove for his work at the hot corner including in 2017.

The Rays, who were last in the post-season in 2013, appear to be headed for full fledged rebuilding mode and Longoria wanted greener pastures. On the surface, the Giants seem an odd choice given they were tied for the worst record in MLB (along with the Detroit Tigers). But the Giants were expected to contend in 2017 and view a season plagued by injuries as an aberration. It doesn't hurt to have a guy who has played more games than any other MLB player over the past five seasons. Longoria should improve the Giants' offense. But will he leave his heart in St. Petersburg?

As for the Rays, they get a dependable veteran outfielder in Span who hit a career high 12 home runs with the Giants in 2017. But the key to this deal is Christian Arroyo. He was the Giants number one draft pick in 2013 and he made his debut in 2017, but hit .192 in 35 games. It remains to be seen if Arroyo can hit big league pitching and he now has the unenviable task of replacing his new team's most beloved player at third. Even if the Rays aren't expected to contend in 2018, the expectations on Arroyo will be very high. Perhaps even higher than expectations on Longoria in the Bay Area. It could be worse. Arroyo could be playing in Boston or New York. Although he will be playing against them.

Longoria turned 32 in October. He has an outside shot at both 500 home runs and 3,000 hits. Even if he doesn't quite get to those numbers his chances for Cooperstown are reasonable given the paucity of third basemen in the Hall. For now Longoria would settle for a World Series ring.

Will The Obama-Hezbollah Revelations Compel Trump To End The Iran Nuclear Deal?

Josh Meyer has written a damning three part article for Politico about how the Obama Administration thwarted the efforts of a DEA task force to stop Hezbollah's drug trafficking operation in order to pursue the Iranian nuclear deal. Hezbollah's drug trafficking financed terrorist operations including the training of Shiite militias in Iraq to kill U.S. soldiers. Clearly, Obama's priority was to accommodate the feelings of Iranian nuclear negotiators, not the lives of American troops in Iraq:

DEA operations in the Middle East were shut down repeatedly due to political sensitivities, especially in Lebanon, according to one former CIA officer working in the region. He said pressure from the White House also prompted the CIA to declare “a moratorium” on covert operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, too, for a time, after the administration received complaints from Iranian negotiators.

“During the negotiations, early on, they [the Iranians] said listen, we need you to lay off Hezbollah, to tamp down the pressure on them, and the Obama administration acquiesced to that request,” the former CIA officer told POLITICO. “It was a strategic decision to show good faith toward the Iranians in terms of reaching an agreement.”

The Obama team “really, really, really wanted the deal,” the former officer said.

I suppose we should expect this from a President who saw fit to trade five top Taliban for an American deserter. But let's remember the Iran nuclear deal was Obama's top foreign policy objective from the moment he announced his intention to run for the White House in 2007. That Obama was willing to give an Iranian proxy like Hezbollah free reign to finance its terrorism operations in pursuit of the deal is treasonous. 

The only good thing which could come of this revelation would be if President Trump were to formally withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. Trump is expected to make such a decision in the new year. Will Trump right this wrong? But if this doesn't move Trump to put this deal out of its misery then what will? After all, there are many officials within the Trump Administration who support the Iran nuclear deal. Does someone like UN Ambassador Nikki Haley have the necessary influence? Or will the Trump Administration be merely content to rail against the deal while keeping it in place?

If the Trump Administration keeps the Iran nuclear deal then they will have effectively condoned the Obama Administration's misdeeds with Hezbollah.

Frank Lary, R.I.P.

Former MLB pitcher Frank Lary passed away on Wednesday in his native Alabama at the age of 87. Lary spent the majority of his big league career with the Detroit Tigers where he became known as the "Yankee Killer". Although he finished his career with a decent won loss record of 128-116, he posted a 28-13 record against the New York Yankees at the height of their post-WWII success.

During the peak of his career between 1955 and 1961, Lary won 20 or more games twice, led the AL in innings pitched thrice and in complete games twice. In 1961, he would finish third in MLB Cy Young balloting behind Whitey Ford and Warren Spahn after winning 23 games for the Tigers during which he earned his second AL All-Star Team selection and only Gold Glove. Unfortunately, Lary would injure his shoulder the following season and his career would come to an end in 1965 after stints with the Milwaukee Braves, Chicago White Sox and the New York Mets.

To give one an idea of what kind of pitcher Lary was against the Yankees in 1958 he went 7-1 against the Bronx Bombers while going 9-14 against the rest of the AL. Mind you the Yankees won the World Series that year. Legend has it that Lary was avenging the Civil War when he faced the Yankees. Whatever the reason for his success, Lary carved out a special place for himself in baseball lore.

Matt Kemp is a Dodger Again For Now, Kinsler & Cozart Are Angels In The Infield & Philly Says Hello to Santana & Goodbye to Galvis

I haven't commented on anything at the MLB Winter Meetings since the Marlins traded Marcell Ozuna to the St. Louis Cardinals. In particular, I would like to focus on three developments.

Matt Kemp is a Dodger Again - For Now

Matt Kemp spent nine seasons in Dodger Blue and after splitting the past three seasons between the San Diego Padres and the Atlanta Braves, he is back in a Dodgers uniform - for now. The Braves traded Kemp to Los Angeles for Adrian Gonzalez, Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy and Charlie Culberson as well as $4.5 million in cash.

But there's a good chance that Kemp might not play at Chavez Ravine in 2018. Speculation abounds that the Dodgers might waive Kemp and try to sign free agent Lorenzo Cain or trade him to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Andrew McCutchen.

As for the Braves, they promptly released Gonzalez who is pretty much at the end of the line anyway. Kazmir didn't pitch in 2017 due to injury while McCarthy was also injured for much of this past season although he did make the World Series roster but was less than effective. If Kazmir and McCarthy return to form, the Braves will have depth in their starting rotation. Meanwhile, Culberson is a good role player.

Wherever Kemp plays in 2018, he is going to need to stay healthy. After having back to back 100 RBI seasons in 2015 and 2016, Kemp hit .276 with 19 HR and 64 RBI. He did miss nearly 50 games with a hamstring injury.

Ian Kinsler & Zack Cozart Are Angels In The Infield

You might remember the movie Angels In The Outfield. After 2018, there might need to be a sequel. On Wednesday night, the Angels acquired veteran second baseman Ian Kinsler from the Detroit Tigers for two minor leaguers. Kinsler had a decent power numbers 22 HRs and 52 RBIs but hit a career low .236. But even at 35 years old he remains an excellent defensive second baseman.

Twenty four hours later, the Angels announced the signing of free agent Zack Cozart to a 3-year contract worth $38 million. In 2017, Cozart had a career year with the Cincinnati Reds hitting .297 with 24 HR and 63 RBI making his first All-Star Team. Cozart will move from shortstop to third base due to Andrelton Simmons' presence at short. With the addition of Kinsler and Cozart to a lineup that already has Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Justin Upton, Simmons and, of course, Shoehei Othani they could represent a threat to the defending World Series champion Houston Astros. However, the Angels haven't really addressed their pitching and the Seattle Mariners have added Dee Gordon and Ryon Healy. Still, the AL West should be a lot more competitive.

Philly Says Hello to Carlos Santana & Goodbye to Freddy Galvis

The Philadelphia Phillies have landed free agent first baseman Carlos Santana for a three year, $60 million contract. Santana has spent the past eight seasons with the Cleveland Indians. In 2017, Santana hit .259 with 23 HR and 79 RBIs. He joins a lineup which includes Odubel Herrera, Aaron Altherr, Rhys Hoskins, Nick Williams and Maikel Franco.

That lineup, however, will not include shortstop Freddy Galvis who they have traded to the San Diego Padres for a minor league player. The Phillies have tapped J.P. Crawford to be their opening day shortstop. Galvis was one of two NL players to play in all 162 regular season games in 2017. The other was NL MVP runner up Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds. Galvis will join an infield in San Diego which includes the returning Chase Headley who was reacquired from the New York Yankees.

I'm sure there will be other moves to come and I shall comment on them as I see fit.

Matt Damon Is Right: There Is a Spectrum on Sexual Misconduct

Actor Matt Damon is taking a lot of heat for stating there is a "spectrum" where it concerns sexual misconduct. In an interview of Peter Travers of ABC News, Damon said the following:

I think we’re in this watershed moment. I think it’s great. I think it’s wonderful that women are feeling empowered to tell their stories, and it’s totally necessary … I do believe that there’s a spectrum of behavior, right? And we’re going to have to figure — you know, there’s a difference between, you know, patting someone on the butt and rape or child molestation, right? Both of those behaviors need to be confronted and eradicated without question, but they shouldn’t be conflated, right? You know, we see somebody like Al Franken, right? — I personally would have preferred if they had an Ethics Committee investigation, you know what I mean? It’s like at what point — you know, we’re so energized to kind of get retribution, I think.

And we live in this culture of outrage and injury, and, you know, that we’re going to have to correct enough to kind of go, “Wait a minute. None of us came here perfect.” You know what I mean? … The Louis C.K. thing, I don’t know all the details. I don’t do deep dives on this, but I did see his statement, which kind of, which [was] arresting to me. When he came out and said, “I did this. I did these things. These women are all telling the truth.” And I just remember thinking, “Well, that’s the sign of somebody who — well, we can work with that” … Like, when I’m raising my kids, this constant personal responsibility is as important as anything else they learn before they go off in the world.

And the fear for me is that right now, we’re in this moment where at the moment — and I hope it doesn’t stay this way — the clearer signal to men and to younger people is, deny it. Because if you take responsibility for what you did, your life’s going to get ruined …

I mean, look, as I said, all of that behavior needs to be confronted, but there is a continuum. And on this end of the continuum where you have rape and child molestation or whatever, you know, that’s prison. Right? And that’s what needs to happen. OK? And then we can talk about rehabilitation and everything else. That’s criminal behavior, and it needs to be dealt with that way. The other stuff is just kind of shameful and gross, and I just think … I don’t know Louis C.K.. I’ve never met him. I’m a fan of his, but I don’t imagine he’s going to do those things again. You know what I mean? I imagine the price that he’s paid at this point is so beyond anything that he — I just think that we have to kind of start delineating between what these behaviors are. 

Damon has been taking a hit in social media concerning these comments with his former Good Will Hunting co-star Minnie Driver taking the lead. She tweeted, "God God, SERIOUSLY. There are so many men I love who do NOT frame the differentiation between sexual misconduct assault and rape as an excuse or worse- our problem. Such bollocks."

Actually, it's Minnie Driver's comments that are bollocks. 

As it stands now in Massachusetts, an individual who is convicted of aggravated rape and forcible rape of a child under 16 could get life imprisonment. Does Driver honestly believe an individual who slaps a woman's buttocks should also spend the rest of his life in prison?

If she does then what tells me is that Driver and others who object to Damon's comments are interested in revenge, not justice. 

This isn't to say that our laws cannot be amended with regard to sexual assault whether it's the implementation of minimum sentencing or increasing the duration of the statute of limitations for reporting such crimes. Those are discussions worth having. Pillorying Matt Damon for trying to inject some sobriety into the discussion is not worthy of public discourse.

The Cardinals Are Better Off With Marcell Ozuna Than Giancarlo Stanton

I know St. Louis Cardinals fans were looking forward to having Giancarlo Stanton slugging balls out of Busch Stadium in 2018 and beyond. The Cardinals' acquisition of Stanton's ex-Miami Marlins teammate Marcell Ozuna should not be viewed as a consolation prize.

It's easy to lose sight of Ozuna's numbers with Stanton's 59 home runs this season. But Ozuna had 8 fewer RBI than Stanton (132 to 124) and hit more than 30 points higher than him (.312 to .281). Did I mention Ozuna won a Gold Glove this year? And Ozuna costs the Cardinals a fraction of Stanton's contract and is far less injury prone. I think Cardinals fans will be very happy at the end of 2018.

The same cannot be said of Marlins fans. Dee Gordon, Stanton and now Ozuna are gone in just over a week. How much longer will Christian Yelich remain a Marlin?

Bob Costas Headed to Cooperstown; Named 2018 Ford C. Frick Award Winner

Congratulations to Bob Costas for being voted the 2018 Ford C. Frick Award winner for baseball broadcasting. He will be honored during Hall of Fame weekend in Cooperstown in July.

Although Costas has covered every sport under the sun, including the Olympics, he is first and foremost a baseball guy. Outside of Vin Scully and Ernie Harwell, Costas is my favorite baseball broadcaster. I go back with him all the way to NBC Game of The Week which he co-hosted with Sal Bando and later Tony Kubek. Costas has always had the ability to give the game a sense of drama and suspense.

With Costas joining Jack Morris and Alan Trammell in the Hall, I am sorely tempted to make my way back to Cooperstown.

Ryan Lizza Should Sue The New Yorker For Wrongful Termination

As you may know, The New Yorker fired its D.C. correspondent Ryan Lizza amid an allegation of sexual misconduct. Per The New York Times:

"The New Yorker recently learned that Ryan Lizza engaged in what we believe was improper sexual conduct," a spokeswoman said in a statement. "We have reviewed the matter and, as a result, have severed ties with Lizza. Due to a request for privacy, we are not commenting further."

Mr. Lizza rejected The New Yorker's characterization of events, but both the magazine and Douglas H. Wigdor, a lawyer representing the woman accusing him of misconduct, said it was accurate.

In a statement, Mr. Lizza said the company's decision to fire him "was made hastily and without a full investigation of relevant facts" and "was a terrible mistake."

"I am dismayed The New Yorker has decided to characterize a respectful relationship with a woman I dated as somehow inappropriate," he said via e-mail. "The New Yorker was unable to cite any company policy that was violated."

Mr. Wigdor, who has filed at least 11 lawsuits against Fox News this year for defamation, sexual harassment and racial discrimination, said in a statement that "in no way did Mr. Lizza's misconduct constitute a 'respectful relationship' as he has now tried to characterize it."

"Our client reported Mr. Lizza's actions to ensure that he would be held accountable and in the hope that by coming forward she would help other potential victims," Mr. Wigdor said. His client has decided to remain anonymous, he added.

I think Lizza ought to sue The New Yorker for wrongful dismissal. If Lizza is correct to say The New Yorker did not conduct a proper investigation of the matter and improperly terminated him then his only recourse is to go to court. As it stands now, with all the sensationalism surrounding sexual misconduct allegations against a multitude of public figures and now being associated with these figures including Harvey Weinstein, what journalistic entity would hire Lizza? By virtue of his firing, his reputation is in ruins. Going to court is his only recourse in restoring that reputation.

Of course, filing a lawsuit isn't so simple. Aside from the financial costs associated, there is the discovery process including depositions. And that's before we even get to trial (assuming a settlement isn't reached). If it does go to trial, given the circumstances of Lizza's firing, a lot of dirty laundry is going to be aired. Even if the conduct in question isn't illegal and demonstrates no sexual misconduct on the part of Lizza, there will undoubtedly be embarrassing details of his private life that will be shown to the entire world. But if it does go to trial there's a good chance Lizza will get to confront his accuser although I'm sure Wigdor will move heaven and earth to maintain her anonymity. But her right to anonymity does not outweigh Lizza's right to his day in court.

If Lizza were to prevail in court it would not only restore his public reputation, but it would help provide sober second thought to the topic of sexual misconduct and restore some sanity to our public discourse on the subject. Of course, those who allege sexual misconduct must be heard. Aside from taking the life of another, rape is the most heinous thing one person can do to another. Just as people are wrongly accused of murder, people are also wrongly accused of rape and sexual assault. The right to be heard does not give license to lie and slander nor does it change the fact that there are two sides to every story. Just because someone makes an accusation doesn't mean its true and no one should be deprived of their livelihood on an accusation without definitive collaboration.

The ball is now in Lizza's court.

Doug Jones' Election is The Best Day in American Politics Since November 8, 2016 (Or What Will Roy Moore's Concession Speech Be Like?) UPDATE

As I write this, Doug Jones is about to deliver his victory speech after defeating Roy Moore in the special Senate election in Alabama.

Naturally, I wonder what Roy Moore's concession speech will be like. Will he pull a Robert Mugabe and not acknowledge his defeat? Will he claim America will be swarmed with a plague of locusts? Will he say that America must answer to God for his loss?

And what will President Trump tweet? Will he say the election was stolen? Or will he pretend that he never supported him? Or will he embark upon uncharacteristic radio silence?

Whatever Moore and Trump have to say about tonight's events there's not a damn thing they can do about it. The people of Alabama have spoken and have chosen not to send a dishonorable man to the Senate. They have also chosen to give a gentle, but firm rebuke to President Trump.

This is the best day in American politics since Trump was elected just over 13 months ago. For the moment, there is hope in America. With tonight being the first night of Chanukah, the challenge to keep the light flickering even if there is little oil to keep it going.

UPDATE: Moments ago, President Trump tweeted:

Congratulations to Doug Jones on a hard fought victory. The write-in votes played a very big factor, but a win is a win. The people of Alabama are great, and the Republicans will have another shot at this seat in a very short period of time. It never ends!

It's a backhanded compliment to Jones. But Trump is distancing himself from Moore - at least for now. Who knows what he might say at 3 a.m.?

We'll see what Moore has to say about it.

UPDATE II: Moore kind of pulled a Mugabe. There was no concession speech. He and his campaign manager are demanding a recount. There would be an automatic recount if the margin is 0.5% or less. But Jones leads by 1.5% of the vote. For his part, Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill isn't having much of Moore's claims.

Moore and his people are insisting God is supporting his campaign. When reached for comment, God said, "Keep me out of it."

It looks like this is simply a question of Moore being unable to admit he lost fair and square.

Trump Says He's Never Met His Accusers; WH Press Sec Says There Are Eyewitnesses

Here's President Trump on Twitter regarding allegations of sexual misconduct earlier today:

Despite thousands of hours wasted and many millions of dollars spent, the Democrats have been unable to show any collusion with Russia - so now they are moving on to the false accusations and fabricated stories of women who I don’t know and/or have never met. FAKE NEWS!

But here's what WH Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said yesterday in response to a question about UN Ambassador Nikki Haley's statement that women who have allegations against President Trump should be heard:

Look, as the President said himself, he thinks it's a good thing that women are coming forward, but he also feels strongly that a mere allegation shouldn't determine the course.  And, in this case, the President has denied any of these allegations, as have eyewitnesses.  And several reports have shown those eyewitnesses also back up the President's claim in this process.

Well, both statements cannot be true. If Trump has never met the women who accuse him of sexual misconduct then how can there be eyewitnesses who saw Trump and his accusers together?

At this point, the White House has produced a list of three eyewitnesses, but at two of them were not in a position to possibly witnessed the allegations in question and one appears to have a long history as a pathological liar.

Then again it would be fitting of the Trump White House to utilize a pathological liar as a character witness. After all, President Trump is a man without character.

Will Haley Be Forced To Walk Back Her "Women Should Be Heard" Remark Regarding Trump?

What a most telling exchange between UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and John Dickerson of CBS' Face The Nation concerning sexual misconduct allegations against President Trump:

JOHN DICKERSON: Let me ask you about a domestic issue here. There's a cultural shift going on in America right now. You saw it, three members of Congress kicked out of Congress because of sexual behavior, misdeeds. You were the first woman Senator of South Carolina. What do you think of this cultural moment that's happening?

NIKKI HALEY: You know, I am incredibly proud of the women who have come forward. I'm proud of their strength. I'm proud of their courage. And I think that the idea that this is happening, I think it will start to bring a conscience to the situation, not just in politics, but in, you know, we've seen in Hollywood and in every industry. And I think the time has come.

JOHN DICKERSON: Of course I'm wrong, you were the governor, first governor of South Carolina. Given that consciousness, how do you think people should assess the accusers of the president?

NIKKI HALEY: Well, I mean, you know, the same thing, is women who accuse anyone should be heard. They should be heard and they should be dealt with. And I think we heard from them prior to the election. And I think any woman who has felt violated or felt mistreated in any way, they have every right to speak up.

JOHN DICKERSON: And does the election mean that's a settled issue?

NIKKI HALEY: You know, that's for the people to decide. I know that he was elected. But, you know, women should always feel comfortable coming forward. And we should all be willing to listen to them.

As The New York Times put it Haley's remarks were "a surprising break from the administration’s longstanding assertion that the allegations are false and that voters rightly dismissed them when they elected Mr. Trump." Given these circumstances, I wonder if the Trump White House will compel Haley to walk back or otherwise clarify her remarks.

After all, Megyn Kelly interviewed three of Trump's accusers this morning on The Today Show. If that weren't enough there is also the special Senate election in Alabama where Trump has gone all out for Roy Moore despite the allegations against him concerning female minors. 

It will be interesting to see if Haley has anything to add within the next 24-48 hours. 

Thoughts on The ISIS Inspired Attack at NYC's Port Authority

I suppose we shouldn't be surprised that someone who attempt a terrorist attack at NYC's Port Authority. Honestly it only surprises me that it has taken this long for someone to try.

Fortunately, the terrorist in question was less than competent. He did injure several people, but the NYPD prevented further harm from happening.

Nevertheless, let us remember there were two terrorist attacks at the WTC. No doubt someone will try again. Of course, less than six weeks has passed since an ISIS inspired terrorist killed 8 people with a truck on a bike path near the WTC.

As I frequently travel to NYC, I know the Port Authority well. Indeed, I was there exactly two weeks ago today when I traveled back to Boston. The terrorist could have just as easily chosen that date as it was right after Thanksgiving weekend. But for the Grace of God.

There are actually quite a few places I've traversed which have seen terrorist attacks - Boylston Street here in Boston, Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Westminster Bridge in London and the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem. It is only natural to wonder if I will one day be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Of course, the Right will heap praise on the Muslim ban even though Trump hasn't seen fit to include Bangladesh as part of the ban. Meanwhile the Left will say this has nothing to do with Islam. Both are wrong and life will carry on for worse.

Tigers Legends Morris & Trammell To Be Inducted Into Cooperstown

Detroit Tigers fans must be stoked right now.

A short time ago on the MLB Network, it was announced that the Modern Era Veterans Committee have voted both Jack Morris and Alan Trammell into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. They will be inducted in July.

Morris and Trammell were both members of the 1984 Detroit Tigers which won the World Series after beginning the season 35-5. They are the first Tigers to be inducted into Cooperstown since Al Kaline in 1980. They are also the first living players to be elected by the Veterans Committee since 2001 when Bill Mazeroski was so elevated. Trammell spent his entire 20-year MLB career playing at the corner of Michigan & Trumbull while Morris also won World Series rings with the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays in 1991 and 1992, respectively.

In 18 big league seasons, aside from three World Series rings with three teams, Morris won 254 games and was the winningest pitcher in MLB during the 1980's although he never won a AL Cy Young Award. Morris was on the Hall of Fame ballot from 2000 through 2014. After earning 67.7% of the vote in 2013 there was hope he would get in during his final year on the ballot but he would fall to 61.5% the year Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas joined the ballot.

While Morris came within striking distance of getting elected by the BBWAA, Trammell only reached 40% of the vote once and that was his last year on the ballot in 2016. In 20 seasons with the Tigers, Trammell earned a World Series ring plus a World Series MVP, four Gold Gloves, three Silver Sluggers, a .285 lifetime batting average and 2,365 hits.

Now that Trammell has been inducted in Cooperstown how far behind can Lou Whitaker be? After all, Trammell and Whitaker are the greatest double play combination in MLB history. How can you enshrine Trammell without enshrining Sweet Lou?

The Detroit Tigers might not have much to be excited about in 2018. But they will be feeling very happy on the last Sunday in July. Congratulations to both Morris and Trammell. Their induction is long overdue.

Stanton Will Give The Yankees More Home Runs, But Not Necessarily Championships

Just as I suspected yesterday, it appears the Miami Marlins have traded Giancarlo Stanton to the New York Yankees. In return, the Marlins will get second baseman Starlin Castro and two prospects. (Perhaps Derek Jeter will turn around and trade Castro to the Mets or Indians for yet more prospects).

There's no doubt the Yankees will hit more home runs in 2018 now that they have a new Murderers' Row with Stanton, Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez and Didi Gregorius. But this won't necessarily translate into wins and championships.

It's well worth remembering the Marlins last had a winning season in 2009. Stanton debuted with the team in 2010. This isn't to say Stanton won't get a World Series ring in the Bronx, but it might take time. After all, Alex Rodriguez came to the Yankees in 2004, but had to wait five years before getting his lone World Series ring. It remains to be seen how long Stanton would wait depending on when he can opt out of his contract.

Even if the Yankees' offense gets better next season, I think it will take awhile for Stanton to adjust to AL pitching and playing in a pennant race. Unfortunately, Yankees fans might not be so patient.

After coming within a game of winning the AL pennant, the Yankees have seen fit to fire Joe Girardi, hire an untested Aaron Boone and now acquire a guy who nearly hit 60 home runs last year. To me that's pressing the panic button. I think the Yankees take a step back in 2018. Should that come to pass I doubt the Yankees will take it in stride.

Why I Think Stanton Will End Up in Yankee Pinstripes

Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton has informed both the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants he will not waive his no-trade clause. This now leaves the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros and the New York Yankees as teams he will consider playing for in 2018 and beyond.

I can't see him ending up in Houston. They don't have the money and lack the glamour of those other cities despite the Astros' World Series win.

I also can't see him ending up in Wrigley. If they are unwilling to re-up with Jake Arrieta I can't see them paying for Stanton unless they can get the Marlins to pay the freight.

The Dodgers would seem to be the most obvious destination given that Stanton is a L.A. native. But if Stanton wanted to play at home I think it would have happened by now. I'm sure Dodger fans would love to see Stanton in Dodger blue as they came within a game of winning the World Series and see him the missing piece of the puzzle. But I can't see the Dodgers paying most of the freight for Stanton.

This leaves the Yankees. Aside from New York being the media mecca of the world, there is also Derek Jeter. Mr. November is in the midst of conducting a fire sale now that he's found out he owns a bill of goods. If there is any organization that might cut Jeter a little slack financially it would be the Yankees.

Could you imagine Stanton and Judge in the same lineup?

As a Red Sox fan, I hope he goes to L.A.

Why I Am Skeptical of The Angels' Signing of Shohei Ohtani

Most of the off-season baseball talk has revolved around Japanese pitching and hitting sensation Shohei Ohtani. Today, Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

If Ohtani is as good as everyone says he is then he could revolutionize the game and we could see a wave of players who are both pitchers or position players.

But the Angels are asking a lot of Ohtani. They essentially want him to be a Masahiro Tanaka and a Hideki Matsui all rolled into one. It's difficult enough to be one never mind both. There's a very good chance that Ohtani might not be able to do either.

Let us also remember that Ohtani was injured most of last year with a broken ankle. On the other hand, the Angels are only risking $3.5 million. It's not like they had to pay a posting fee of over $100 million.

There are those on Twitter who are saying the Seattle Mariners lost out big. But honestly I am far more excited about the Mariners acquiring Dee Gordon than the Angels signing Ohtani. We know that Gordon can collect 200 hits and steal 60 bases. Even if he turns out to be a below average center fielder, the Mariners can find a spot for him in the lineup. Ohtani is a virtually unproven quantity.

Don't get me wrong. If Ohtani can win 15 games and hit 30 home runs then we will have something special. But I have my doubts.

Psyched Out For Psych

It's only been a little over 3 1/2 years since Psych aired its final episode. But in this day and age 3 1/2 years feels like 18 years. So Psych: The Movie was well worth the wait. It was great to see Shawn and Gus telling each other to suck it as well as see Shawn and Jules reunite and feel so good. If you're going to psychphrancisco please be sure to wear flowers in your hair. I didn't think Chief Vick was old enough to have a teenage daughter nor did I think I'd see the day where Henry Spencer would yearn for a drum circle. Woody is as nutty as ever. The cameos by Ralph Macchio, Jimmie Simpson, Charlotte Flair and John Cena were great as well. The show hardly missed a beat.

The only thing I wish we could have seen more of was Lassie, but at least we got a cameo. Hopefully Timothy Omundson, who suffered a stroke back in April, will play a larger role in their next reunion movie or, better still, a relaunched TV series. If they can bring back Will & Grace then why not Psych? But if they do it will be a lot better with Lassie in it.

Until then have a look at what I wrote about Psych after its 100th episode aired in 2013.

Tracy Stallard, R.I.P.

Former MLB pitcher Tracy Stallard, best known for giving up Roger Maris' 61st home run in 1961, has passed away at the age of 80. His cause of death is unknown.

Stallard signed with the Boston Red Sox as an amateur free agent in 1956 making his big league debut late in the 1960 season. After surrendering Maris' 61st home run, Stallard only made one other appearance in a Bosox uniform. Prior to the 1963 season, Stallard was traded along with Pumpsie Green (the first African-American to play with the Sox) to the New York Mets for Felix Mantilla.

In 1964, Stallard would lead the NL in losses with 20. One of those losses was against Jim Bunning on the day he threw his perfect game. Despite those 20 losses, Stallard finished with a respectable 3.79 ERA on a team that lost 109 games. The Mets traded Stallard to the St. Louis Cardinals prior to the 1965 season. Stallard won 11 games with the Cardinals in 1965, but was demoted to the bullpen in 1966 and never pitched in the bigs after that though he continued in pro baseball as a minor leaguer in both the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals organizations and also pitched in the Mexican League in the early 1970's. In parts of seven seasons, Stallard finished with a record of 30-57 with a 4.17 ERA in 183 games pitched.

A native of Virginia, Stallard eschewed publicity especially with those who wanted to talk about Roger Maris. Nevertheless, Stallard will always be a part of baseball lore.

The Mariners Acquiring Dee Gordon From The Marlins Is a Very Big Deal

The Miami Marlins have traded second baseman Dee Gordon to the Seattle Mariners for three prospects.

This is the first significant trade in MLB this off-season and it might be the most significant.

It is significant first and foremost because it makes the beginning of the fire sale in Miami official under Derek Jeter's leadership. How far behind can Christian Yelich, Marcell Ozuna and, of course, Giancarlo Stanton, be out the door?

But more importantly, this is the trade which might get the Mariners into the post-season for the first time since 2001. Gordon collected 201 hits and led the NL with 60 bases in 2017 with the Marlins. He will certainly be an upgrade over Jarrod Dyson at the top of the order. Of course, the big question is whether Gordon can play center field. After all, Robinson Cano isn't going anywhere at second base. Gordon, who turns 30 in April, is in the prime of his career. Putting the shame of his 2016 PED suspension behind him, Gordon is ready to win. I think the Mariners acquiring Gordon is the equivalent of the 2005 Chicago White Sox adding Scott Podsednik to their lineup.

Should the Mariners sign Shohei Ohtani, the Gordon trade will be an afterthought. But Ohtani will be icing on the cake while Gordon will make things bake. This move alone makes the Mariners the biggest challengers to the Houston Astros in the AL West and their World Series title.

Harry Chapin Would Have Turned 75 Today (I Wonder What Have Happened To This World Had He Lived)

December 7, 1941, of course, is a day which lives in infamy.

December 7, 1942, Harry Chapin came into the world in the usual way.

He would exit it abruptly on a July afternoon in a car accident on the Long Island Expressway which claimed his life at the age of 38.

But he left an indelible impact. Harry Chapin received an Oscar nomination, recorded 11 albums, his work appeared on Broadway, performed at least 200 concerts a year, half of them benefits for various non-profit organizations and co-founded a non-profit of his own called World Hunger Year (now known as WHY Hunger). Between all that he found the time to lobby Congress and in turn President Carter to establish the Presidential Commission on World Hunger.

While Chapin had a left-wing political orientation, he did not hate conservatives. He knew that if he wanted to combat world hunger that he would to win over Republicans and he did it as only he could. After Chapin's death numerous Congressmen and Senators spoke in both Houses of Congress to pay him tribute. One tribute which stands out in particular is that of then Senate Majority Leader and later GOP presidential nominee Bob Dole who described Chapin as "a liberal in the best sense of the word." Dole went to say, "What he was really committed to was decency and dignity."

Thirty years ago today, Chapin was posthumously bestowed with a Congressional Gold Medal, an honor rarely bestowed upon a musician.

It is of course impossible to know exactly what Chapin would have thought of our world today had he lived to see his 75th birthday. But I suspect two things. First, he wouldn't like our state of affairs. Second, he would try to do something about it. R.I.P.

Republicans Have No Excuse Defending Moore Now That Franken & Conyers Have Both Resigned

If one travels along Twitter apologists for Alabama GOP Senate standard bearer Roy Moore argue they don't want to hear a word unless something is done about John Conyers and Al Franken.

Well, Franken has just resigned while Conyers resigned earlier this week.

With that out of the way what excuse do Moore supporters have now?

Absolutely none. By supporting Moore what they are really saying is that rape and pedophilia is OK as long he favors outlawing abortion, gay marriage and whatever other light and transient cause he happens to support.

I reserve my greatest contempt for the Republican Party itself who have gone from threatening to expel Moore from the Senate (should he be elected) to throwing their full support behind him. All it took was President Trump's endorsement. Aside from Ben Sasse and Jeff Flake, Republicans are utterly spineless when it comes to Trump.

I wonder when Trump will get around to shooting people on Fifth Avenue.

Three Troubling Things About Trump's Jerusalem Announcement

Let me start by stating that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.

So why would I have a problem with President Trump's declaration of the same?

There are three reasons.

First, Trump's declaration is undermined by issuing yet another six month presidential waiver delaying the move of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. These waivers go back to the Clinton Administration following the passage of the Jerusalem Embassy Act. If Trump was going to make this announcement it should have been accompanied by an announcement of a date the embassy was going to move. Otherwise this is an empty gesture.

Second, there is the opposition to this declaration in the Arab capitals. Normally, this wouldn't matter so much. But at the present time Israel and much of the Arab world, particularly Saudi Arabia are cooperating in an unprecedented manner due to the prospect of a nuclear Iran. There is cause for concern that Trump's announcement could undermine this working relationship.

Third, there is Iran. Frankly, the Trump Administration's priority should be ending the Iran nuclear deal. Naming Jerusalem the capital of Israel doesn't mean very much if Tehran develops a nuclear weapon and sees fit to launch it. Notwithstanding, Trump's decision to decertify the Iran nuclear deal in October it remains in place. Is announcing Jerusalem as Israel's capital supposed to make up for keeping the deal in place? If it is it is not much of a consolation prize.

Chad Should Not Be Part of Trump's Muslim Travel Ban

The Supreme Court has now ruled that President Trump's Muslim travel ban can proceed.

It might be constitutional, but it's stupid.

The stupidest part of the ban is the inclusion of Chad which was added back in September.

Chad has been a key U.S. ally in counter-terrorism against Islamist groups operating in Africa including Boko Haram, al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and ISIS. Its military reputation is such that Chad has largely avoided the terrorist attacks which have plagued countries like the Central African Republic, Mali, Niger and Nigeria, but are not included in the travel ban. In protest, Chad withdrew its troops from Niger where they had been fighting Boko Haram.

So why exactly was Chad included in the ban? Because they ran out of passport paper. I kid you not.
Mind you the Trump Administration did all this without the support of the State Department and the Department of Defense.

Could it be Trump knew a guy named Chad he hated and when he discovered there was a country named Chad he decided to include it in the ban? It's stupid but stupid is Trump's stock and trade. It's fitting because it's every bit as stupid as placing a country on a travel ban because it temporarily ran out of passport paper.

This Country Could Sure Use Another John Anderson

When I learned of the passing of former Illinois Republican Congressman and independent presidential candidate John Anderson, the first thing I thought is that this country could use another of his kind.

After his bid for the 1980 GOP nomination fizzled out, Anderson took the bold step of launching an independent campaign and for awhile Anderson was seen as a viable alternative to an incompetent Jimmy Carter and an ideological Ronald Reagan. However, Carter was shrewd enough not to debate Anderson and let Reagan have him. While honest and principled, Anderson wasn't as effective a communicator as The Gipper. Still, he received nearly 7% of the popular vote.

Of course, the circumstances in 2020 will be far different than in 1980. Instead of an incompetent Democrat in the White House we have an ignorant Republican. Economic conditions will likely be better in 2020 than they were in 1980 with a lower unemployment rate and negligible inflation. But we will still likely face a low employment participation rate and stagnant wages not to mention a declining quality of health care as life expectancy for Americans falls in many parts of the country.

Complicating matters is a President who is more apt to feud with D-list celebrities and peddle conspiracy theories than inspire confidence in his stewardship. On the other side is a rudderless Democratic Party who wear the Clintons as an albatross. Under the circumstances, 2020 may represent the perfect time for Americans to elect a President representing neither party.

But for this to happen will require a person of enormous courage, principles and resources. Any Republican who dares to challenge Trump in a primary is certain not only to lose, but be declared persona non grata by a majority of the conservative movement. Chances are that person will probably be held with equal disdain on The Left.

Notwithstanding these obstacles, if this individual possesses the dignity and fortitude to convince enough of the American electorate that he or she can lead this country better than Trump or the Democrat standard bearer then anything is possible.

Is such a person out there? Could it be a Ben Sasse, a John Kasich or a Jeff Flake or perhaps someone else altogether? If such a person comes forward then such a campaign might be best tribute one could make to John Anderson. R.I.P.

Remember When Brian Ross Tried To Blame The Tea Party For The Colorado Movie Theater Shooting

I cannot say I'm surprised ABC has seen fit to suspend Brian Ross for botching a report which claimed former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn was prepared to testify that Donald Trump told him to contact the Russians during the election campaign. In point of fact, Trump directed him to do this after the election during the transition period. Flynn has plead guilty to lying to the FBI about contacts with the Russians in December 2016 and is cooperating with Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller's probe of the matter.

The reason I am not surprised is because of the 2012 mass shooting at the movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. When the suspect was identified as James Holmes, Ross went on the air to say he found a Jim Holmes on a Tea Party Patriots website. Except that the Holmes who was a Tea Party member was a 52-years old while the actual perpetrator was in his 20's.

In 2012, Ross relied on a Tea Party membership list. In 2017, Ross relied on a single source. Would Ross have done such a thing if he found a James Holmes associated with the Occupy Movement? Would Ross have gone with a story with a single source if it centered around wrongdoing by Obama?If Ross was willing to jump to conclusions about the Tea Party then why wouldn't he jump to conclusions now about Trump?

There might be more to what extent Trump was involved concerning initiating contacts with the Russians, but with such sloppy reporting people will be less inclined to believe further reports which may come to light. As long as the mainstream media sees fit not to exercise due diligence in its coverage of Trump then his claims of "fake news" will have credibility and plausibility.

A Good Shepherd For Free Thought

I must admit that I don't keep up with happenings in my home and native land nearly as well as I once did. The other day I was speaking with my brother Ezra who asked me if I heard about Lindsay Shepherd. I told him I had not. He informed me that she is a teaching assistant at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario who was interrogated last month by campus officials because she played a video clip during her Canadian Communication in Context tutorial session which featured Jordan Peterson, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto.

Peterson became a vociferous opponent of the Trudeau government's Bill C-16 which was passed earlier this year. This legislation amended the Canadian Human Rights Code to provide transgendered persons protection against discrimination. But what it also did is make it an offense for those who declined to use transgendered pronouns (i.e zhie and zher). For his public stance, Peterson became public enemy number one in Canadian academia and, for that matter, the Canadian Left.

So because Shepherd played a video clip from in which Peterson debated his point of view on the subject, her academic supervisor, her program coordinator and the university's "Gendered Violence Prevention and Support Program" summoned her to a meeting and accused her of making students uncomfortable, creating a toxic environment, violating the Canadian Human Rights Code and, for good measure, likened playing Peterson's remarks to that of Hitler. Somehow TV Ontario's The Agenda with Steve Paikin fails to conjure up images of the Third Reich.

It all sounds hard to believe, but Shepherd adroitly recorded their conversation. If you have about 45 minutes you can listen to all the sordid detail.

During the course of this inquisition, Shepherd is crying but manages to maintain both her dignity and more than holds her own with her inquisitors. When the audio was released both her academic supervisor and the University's president and vice-chancellor were compelled to issue mealy mouthed apologies.

Since this incident, Shepherd spoke at a campus free speech rally, presented a petition to the university to adopt the University of Chicago's Principles of Freedom of Expression, conducted numerous interviews and launched a Twitter account which is fast approaching 25,000 followers. However, Shepherd has indicated that she is persona non grata by many at the Laurier student body who don't think the administration should have apologized to her at all and is unsure if she will remain.

If Shepherd sees fit to leave Laurier, the loss is Laurier's. I suspect there are a few academic institutions who believe in freedom of expression that would welcome her with open arms. One could see Shepherd as someone who campaigns for the University of Chicago principles to be adopted on campuses across North America. Whatever she chooses, Shepherd may now have the kinds of opportunities she would never have dreamed of had she not played that three minute video clip of Jordan Peterson.

On a personal note, I nearly attended Laurier. It was one of three universities to which I applied in my last year of high school. Ultimately, I picked Carleton University in Ottawa. At the age of 19, I took four second year political science courses. People thought I was nuts. They thought I was even nuttier when I debated professors and students during lectures. Looking back on it now, I have to admit I was a colossal pain in the ass. I can't think of anybody who I didn't make uncomfortable. If I were an undergraduate today, I probably would have been summoned for expressing unsavory thoughts on the first day of class. I couldn't imagine being in Lindsay Shepherd's shoes. But her shoes seem firmly grounded.

This isn't to say everything is peaches and cream for her. I'm sure this was the last thing she envisioned the morning of her tutorial. All of which will take time to process and find the best path forward. I suspect we will be hearing a great more from Lindsay Shepherd in the months and years to come. In which case, the public square is bound to become a better place where debate and discussion flow freely. She may very well become a good Shepherd for free thought in the West.

Yankees Make History Naming Aaron Boone Their New Manager

The New York Yankees have reportedly named Aaron Boone their new manager succeeding Joe Girardi who was dismissed after the team was eliminated by the Houston Astros in the ALCS.

Boone played in the bigs for 12 seasons with six teams - the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Florida Marlins, Washington Nationals, Houston Astros and, of course, the Yankees. He only played 54 games for the Yankees in 2003, but his home run off Tim Wakefield in Game 7 of the ALCS put him in Bronx Bombers lore and earned him the nickname Aaron "F*#kin'" Boone in Boston.

Since 2016, Boone has been a color commentator on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball. The Yankees hiring of Boone is historic as he and his father Bob Boone become the first father-son managerial combo in MLB history. The elder Boone managed the Kansas City Royals and the Cincinnati Reds from 1995-1997 and 2001-2003, respectively. Indeed, Boone played for his father during his managerial stint in Cincinnati.

Despite his baseball pedigree, Boone has no managing or coaching experience. I think the Yankees take a step backwards in 2018 and Yankees fans will soon long for Girardi.

Tillerson Has Been on Borrowed Time Since He Didn't Deny Calling Trump a Moron

I'm not surprised with the report by The New York Times which indicates the Trump White House plans to push out Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State and replace him with current CIA Director Mike Pompeo with Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton.

Tillerson sealed his fate the moment he wouldn't deny calling President Trump a moron. At the time, I predicted he would depart the Trump Administration by the end of this year. It is entirely possible that this is nothing more than a trial balloon designed to fake out the mainstream media, but Tillerson is living on borrowed time and every minute he has to spend working for that moron is going to be miserable.

Not All Sexual Misconduct is Created Equal: Matt Lauer vs. Garrison Keillor

When I awoke this morning, I learned that NBC had fired Matt Lauer following allegations of sexual misconduct.

By this afternoon, Minnesota Public Radio had dismissed former Prairie Home Companion host Garrison Keillor following allegations of sexual misconduct.

Both men have now joined the list of men who have become persona non grata due to their alleged misbehavior. Yet their alleged misbehavior is far from the same. There is a hell of a difference between indecent exposure by multiple women and inadvertently touching a woman's back. Why is Keillor subject to the same punishment as Lauer? Is it because Keillor had the temerity to defend his fellow Minnesotan Al Franken in op-ed? Would this allegation have come to light had Keillor not commented on Franken's situation? If Keillor warrants discipline it should be because of his own behavior during the incident in question, not his views of the allegations against Franken or anyone else.

It will be interesting to see if there are further allegations against Keillor in the coming days. If none are forthcoming then I think a case can be made that Minnesota Public Radio has overreacted in a political environment of borderline hysteria. Putting a hand's on a woman's bare back simply doesn't rise to the level of forcible sexual assault.

Why Did Trump Have To Bring Up Elizabeth Warren When Honoring Native American WWII Veterans?

Let me begin by saying that I don't think President Trump was making a racial slur when he used the term Pochahontas to describe Elizabeth Warren while honoring Navajo Code Talkers from the Second World War. In it of itself Pochahontas isn't derogatory. Warren's claim to being a Native American is dubious and it led to the nickname "Fauxchahontas" which is still a sore point for her.

But why is Trump bringing up Warren at all? Why can't Trump give people their due without making it about himself? This was their moment in the sun and Trump, true to form, ruined it.

Is Trump Planning To Extend The Muslim Travel Ban to Egypt?

While President Trump did condemn the terrorist attack at the Sufi mosque in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula which claimed over 300 lives, he used the attack as an opportunity to promote both the Wall along the  Mexican border and the Muslim travel ban:

Will be calling the President of Egypt in a short while to discuss the tragic terrorist attack, with so much loss of life. We have to get TOUGHER AND SMARTER than ever before, and we will. Need the WALL, need the BAN! God bless the people of Egypt.

What a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border has to do with a terrorist attack in Egypt isn't exactly clear. But at present the Muslim travel ban doesn't apply to Egypt. In light of this attack, is Trump planning to include Egypt in the ban? If this is the case then would this ban extend to the families of the 300 plus people who were murdered for praying?

Chances are Trump is tweeting out of his ass. Hopefully this is the case. Yet one can never discount the possibility that his tweets represent U.S. foreign policy in all its all case letter glory.

Trump Comes To Roy Moore's Defense - What a Surprise

Following President Trump's condemnation of Senator Al Franken's inappropriate sexual conduct with LeeAnn Tweeden without comment on the more severe allegations against Alabama GOP Senate candidate Roy Moore of inappropriate sexual relations with minors, I wrote the following:

If Trump was going to condemn Moore he would have done so by now. The only reason I can see Trump condemning Moore is if he loses the special election on December 12th.

At this point, Trump will do one of two things. He will a) maintain his radio silence or b) Trump will come to Moore's defense and call his accusers liars. Both options speak volumes. By condemning Franken but not condemning Moore, Trump is telling us that sexual misconduct is acceptable behavior if you want to Make America Great Again. It is also an indication that Trump is unwilling to risk the possibility of his supporters turning on him.

Today, Trump went with option b albeit somewhat tempered by his standards. Trump defended Moore by saying "he totally denies it." Well, longtime Detroit area Congressman John Conyers totally denies it too. I don't see Trump giving him the benefit of the doubt. 

While it's true that Trump didn't direct any remarks to Moore's accusers let's not be surprised if that changes between now and December 12th. But Trump made his position clear stating, "We don’t need a liberal person in there, a Democrat, Jones. I’ve looked at his record. It’s terrible on crime. It’s terrible on the border. It’s terrible on the military.” Yes, how terrible of Jones to prosecute Klan members who bombed a church killing four African-American girls. 

Or put another way, Trump is essentially saying that Moore may be a SOB, but he's our SOB. Of course, Democrats are doing much the same with Franken and Conyers. It's the kind of thing which makes people disgusted at politicians of all stripes. Or at least I would like to think it would. Because if it did we wouldn't have elected Trump to the White House.