Ilhan Omar, Who Accuses Jewish Students of Being "Pro-Genocide", Supports The Pro-Genocide Hamas

During a visit to the occupation encampment at Columbia University on Friday, Minnesota Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar said this about Jewish students:

I actually met a lot of Jewish students that are in the encampment. And I think it is really unfortunate that people don't care about the fact that all Jewish kids should be kept safe and that we should not have to tolerate antisemitism or bigotry for all Jewish students, whether they're pro-genocide or anti-genocide.

Well, for starters, Omar doesn't give a flying fuck about the safety of Jewish students. Her agenda was to willfully promote hatred against Jews by claiming that Jewish students who support Israel are supporters of genocide. 

In reality, however, Omar is projecting her own qualities on those Jewish students at Columbia and elsewhere with whom she disagrees. Those who are occupying Columbia and other campuses have made it clear they support Hamas. By visiting Columbia, Omar has made it equally clear she is in solidarity with the occupiers including her own daughter. 

Indeed, if anyone can be considered to have pro-genocide views it is occupiers at Columbia University who chant "Long Live Hamas!!!"

The only reason Hamas exists is to kill Jews. That makes Hamas an inherently genocidal organization. If you doubt me then please go ahead and read the Hamas Covenant for yourself.

Thus, any student occupying Columbia or any other college campus who chants "Long live Hamas!!!" or "We are Hamas!!!" can be considered pro-genocide.

This also extends who stands in solidarity with the college occupiers. That means you, Ilhan Omar.

The Cinematography is The Story in Days of Heaven

 

On Saturday night, I went to the Brattle Theatre to see Days of Heaven. Released in 1978, it stars Richard Gere, Brooke Adams, Sam Shepard and Linda Manz and directed by Terence Malick. Nominated for four Academy Awards, the late Nestor Almendros earned an Oscar for Best Cinematography.

It was a well-deserved win for Almendros because the cinematography is the story in Days of Heaven. Never have wheatfields, turkeys and even locusts looked more beautiful. While the story is set in the Texas panhandle, Days of Heaven was filmed in southwestern Alberta not far from where my Mom grew up. The vast farmland and skyline reminded me of the times I visited the Crowsnest Pass in the late 1970's around the time Days of Heaven was released. I could also tell Days of Heaven was shot in Canada because of the use of Canadian Pacific Rail freight trains. 

If not for the picturesque scenery, the story itself is fairly ordinary. Gere and Adams star as a couple (Bill and Abby) posing as brother and sister who find work on a large farm owned by Shepherd. The farmer, who is never named, falls in love with Abby and Bill persuades Abby to pursue the farmer after overhearing the farmer has a year to live. Bill and Abby are accompanied by Bill's real younger sister Linda (Linda Manz) who also narrates the film. 

Manz was only 15 when the film was shot and would be brought in to narrate the film a year later as Malick was struggling to edit the final product. Manz's narration is a stream of consciousness yet at the same time sounds like a teenaged girl who came of age during WWI nowhere near a classroom. Sadly, Manz passed away in 2020 of lung cancer at the age of 58. 

Days of Heaven was Malick's second film after Badlands which was released in 1973. I have never seen Badlands but understand Days of Heaven is in some ways not dissimilar from his debut film and would very much like to see it. Remarkably, Malick did not make another film for 20 years until the The Thin Red Line. Malick has been more prolific in this century and is currently at work in post-production on a new film called The Way of the Wind which is now due for release next year.

As for Days of Heaven, the farmer and Abby marry while Bill and Linda move into the big house. They all seem happy except for Bill who yearns for Abby. You know the good times aren't going to last. The days of heaven are short-lived. But its images stay with you for eternity.

Memo to Antony Blinken: Students Occupying College Campuses Are Silent About Hamas' Actions Because They Are Pro-Hamas

While in Beijing, Secretary of State Antony Blinken characterized the occupations of university campuses such as Columbia, NYU and Yale as a "hallmark of our democracy" while decrying their silence on Hamas:

In our own country, it's a hallmark of our democracy that our citizens make known their views, their concerns, their anger, at any given time, and I think that reflects the strength of the country, the strength of democracy. It is also notable that there is silence about Hamas, as if it wasn't even part of the story.

One could make the case that Blinken made a point of characterizing these occupations as a "hallmark of our democracy" because he was in China and wanted to draw a contrast between our two countries. Yet I cannot imagine Blinken calling a congregation of election deniers, COVID deniers or Tea Partiers a "hallmark of our democracy."

Yet I think Blinken's comment concerns the occupiers' silence on Hamas is far more dubious. Why should this come as any surprise to Blinken? There have been demonstrations in praise of Hamas attack on Israel from day one. Why would these occupiers have anything to say about Hamas when they are busy chanting, "Kill the Jews!!!" as was the case at Northeastern University here in Boston? Why would these occupiers have anything to say about Hamas when they are busy telling us "Zionists don't deserve to live" as was the case at Columbia University?

In fact, the only time these occupiers aren't silent on Hamas is when they praise Hamas with chants like "Long live Hamas!!!" "We're all Hamas!!!"

In other words, those who are occupying college campuses nationwide are pro-Hamas. They have made this loud and clear. So why hasn't Secretary Blinken gotten the message?

Lowering The Barr: How Does The Former AG Believe Trump is Less Harmful To The Country Than Biden?

In his testimony to the January 6th Committee in June 2022, former Attorney General Bill Barr characterized defeated, former President Donald Trump's claims that the 2020 election was stolen as, among other things, "bullshit", "completely bullshit", "absolute rubbish", "complete nonsense" and "a great, great disservice to the country." .

In August 2023, Barr characterized the charges brought against Trump for the events of January 6th as "a legitimate case."

So naturally Barr, like any "good Republican" has endorsed Trump:

I’ve said all along, given two bad choices, I think it’s my duty to pick the person I think would do the least harm to the country. And in my mind, I will vote the Republican ticket. Trump may be playing Russian roulette, but a continuation of the Biden administration is national suicide in my opinion.

Last I checked Russian roulette was an act of suicide. In Trump's case, he has the gun pointed at America's head. How is this not an act of national suicide? How is this less harmful conduct than that of President Biden?

Barr testified under oath that Trump's election lies are a great, great disservice to the country. 

What greater disservices to the country has President Biden committed? 

Barr also acknowledges the January 6th case against Trump is legitimate. Presumably Barr believes Trump ought to be convicted of the charges against him. So why does Barr prefer to have convicted Trump in the White House than a clean Biden? Is it simply because Biden has a D next to his name? If not, what sin has Biden committed that are greater than Trump's crimes? 

Whatever the answer, by endorsing Trump, Bill Barr has once again done a great, great disservice to the country. Barr deserves the insults Trump hurled at him following his endorsement. After all, he has lowered the Barr.

Israelis Can Call Upon Netanyahu to Resign; Nancy Pelosi Shouldn't

In an interview while traveling in Ireland, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called upon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign:

We recognize Israel’s right to protect itself. We reject the policy and the practice of Netanyahu. Terrible. What could be worse than what he has done in response?

He should resign. He’s ultimately responsible.

I don’t know whether he’s afraid of peace, incapable of peace, or just doesn’t want peace, but he has been an obstacle to the two-state solution.

Is Pelosi claiming Bibi's response is worse than Hamas' attack? If Bibi is an obstacle to peace, then what exactly does that make Mahmoud Abbas not to mention Hamas? Or Syria's Bahsar al-Assad

Mind you, this is the same Nancy Pelosi who 17 years ago this month had an audience with Assad against the advice of the White House and State Department. Pelosi praised Assad, “We were very pleased with the assurances we received from the president that he was ready to resume the peace process. He’s ready to engage in negotiations for peace with Israel.” 

Needless to say, this has not aged well.

But in the grand scheme of things, it isn't Nancy Pelosi's place to call for Netanyahu's resignation nor any head of state or head of government of an ally. Ditto for Chuck Schumer. 

Netanyahu's fate is up to the Israeli people. If they want to demand his resignation, I have no objections. Indeed, tens of thousands of Israelis made this very demand earlier this month. They are within their rights to do so. 

But for Pelosi, Schumer or any American public official, elected or appointed, to demand Netanyahu's resignation helps no one except Hamas, Iran and Syria. 

David McCarty Passes Away Only 10 Days After The 2004 Red Sox Reunion at Fenway Park

Former MLB player David McCarty passed away on Friday of "a cardiac event". He was 54. 

McCarty's death comes only 10 days after he was in Boston on Opening Day at Fenway Park to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Boston Red Sox' World Series championship. 

During the ceremony, McCarty and his teammates paid tribute to Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield who died of cancer last October. McCarty is now the second member of the 2004 Red Sox to leave this mortal coil. 

The Red Sox were actually the final stop in McCarty's 11-year big league career which began with the Minnesota Twins in 1993. McCarty was the Twins first round draft pick in 1991 and third overall in the nation after a distinguished collegiate career at Stanford University. 

Despite being a high draft pick, McCarty's baseball career was arduous, and he vacillated back and forth between the majors and minors while with the Twins before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds during the 1995 season. McCarty's brief tenure with the Reds was spent at Triple-AAA Indianapolis before being traded to the San Francisco Giants in an 8-player deal which included Deion Sanders. 

Although McCarty saw some playing time with the Giants in 1995 and 1996, by the late 1990's he appeared to be stuck in Triple-AAA playing all of the 1997 season in Phoenix before the Giants traded him to the Seattle Mariners. McCarty spent nearly all of 1998 playing in Tacoma although he did get into 8 games with the Mariners. In 1999, McCarty signed with the Detroit Tigers but would spend all year with the Toledo Mud Hens before finally catching a break with the Kansas City Royals when he played a career high 103 games hitting .278 with 12 HR and 53 RBI. 

Unfortunately, McCarty did not repeat those numbers with KC in 2001 and would be released by the Royals in early 2002. McCarty would repeat the MLB-Triple AAA shuttle during stints with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Oakland A's in both 2002 and 2003 until the Red Sox picked up him on waivers late in the 2003 season. 

By the time McCarty joined the Red Sox, he was a 33-year-old journeyman who knew his role and yet saw new opportunities. While primarily a backup outfielder and first baseman, McCarty was also brought in to pitch during blowouts on several occasions during the 2004 season giving much needed a relief to the Red Sox pitching staff. His willingness to try something new endeared McCarty to his teammates and the organization. Although McCarty did not play in the 2004 post-season, he nevertheless earned his World Series ring. 

McCarty would retire early in the 2005 season after declining yet another minor league assignment. In 630 career games, McCarty collected 362 hits for a lifetime batting average of .242 with 36 HR and 175 RBI. He would remain tied to the Red Sox through the 2008 season as a studio analyst for NESN before returning home to Northern California to begin his real estate career. 

Naturally, time will always remain undefeated. Indeed, Carl Erskine, the last surviving member of the 1955 World Series champion Brooklyn Dodgers, passed away earlier this week at the age of 97. Erskine would live nearly 70 years after that triumph in Brooklyn. Who among the 2004 Boston Red Sox will still be among us in 2074? Will Manny still be Manny? 

Still, both Wakefield and McCarty were only in their 50s (as am I). Wakefield's absence loomed large at the reunion and McCarty's passing so soon after it only reinforces the fact that mortality is a line thinner than the between the big leagues and Triple AAA and far more permanent. Big Papi managed to dodge death nearly five years ago but who among us gets more than one lifeline?

David McCarty has lost his life, but our memories will keep him alive such as this walk off HR off J.J. Putz on May 30, 2004. R.I.P.

Sorry Jared Moskowitz!!! Marjorie Taylor Greene Has Been To The Holocaust Museum & It Didn't Do a Bit of Good

Yesterday, Florida Democratic Congressman Jared Moskowitz called upon Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, "Get yourself over to the Holocaust Museum."

Moskowitz was prompted to do so during a House Oversight Committee after Greene likened Ukrainians to Nazis. 

Now I like Jared Moskowitz. He isn't afraid to go toe to toe with the Marjorie Taylor Greenes of the world.

However, there was one problem with his suggestion. Greene did go to the National Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. back in June 2021 after she had likened COVID restrictions to Nazism. Greene claimed, “Vaccinated employees get a vaccination logo just like the Nazi’s forced Jewish people to wear a gold star.”

At the time of her visit, Greene was full of contrition stating, "There is no comparison to the Holocaust". Yet less than a month after her visit, Greene called the Biden Administration "brown shirts" for their COVID vaccine distribution program. 

During an interview with Steve Bannon in November 2021, Greene declared, “They’re ruining our country, these vaccine Nazis. I’m sorry. I know I’m using the word Nazi and everybody gets mad when I say it, but that’s exactly what they are.”

Needless to say, another visit to the National Holocaust Museum would be wasted on her and wouldn't do anyone a bit of good. Ditto if she came up to Boston to see the Auschwitz: Not Long Ago Not Far Away exhibit or even Auschwitz itself. For her part, Greene claims she visited Auschwitz as a teenager. In which case, Marjorie Taylor Greene will never understand the horrors of the Holocaust nor does she want to do so. As I observed in June 2023, Greene calls everyone and everything Nazis except for actual Nazis. 

Carl Erskine Was The Last Surviving Member of The 1955 World Series Champion Brooklyn Dodgers

Former MLB pitcher Carl Erskine who spent his entire 12-year big league career with the Dodgers (10 years in Brooklyn and two years in Los Angeles) passed away on Tuesday morning following a brief illness. He was 97. 

Born and raised in Anderson, Indiana, Erskine signed with the Dodgers in 1946 after serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Erskine would make his big-league debut with the Dodgers in 1948 and would pitch in five World Series - 1949, 1952, 1953, 1955 and 1956. All five of those World Series were against the New York Yankees. The Dodgers would come up short in each of those World Series except for 1955. Erskine was the last surviving member of the first Dodgers team to ever win a World Series. 

His best overall season came in 1953 when he won a career high 20 games although he would earn his only NL All-Star Team selection the following year. In Game 3 of the 1953 World Series, Erskine set a World Series record striking out 14 batters fanning Mickey Mantle all four times he came to the plate. This record would be surpassed a decade later by his Dodgers teammate Sandy Koufax in Game 1 of the 1963 World Series also against the Yankees and again in 1968 by St. Louis Cardinals legend Bob Gibson who struck out 17 Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of that Fall Classic. 

Erskine also tossed two career no-hitters. The first came on June 19, 1952 against the Chicago Cubs in front of only 7,732 fans at Ebbets Field striking out a single batter while walking one batter. His second career no-hitter came nearly four years later on May 12, 1956 against the archrival New York Giants. This no-hitter also took place at Ebbets Field, but this time around 17,395 fans were on hand to see the game. In 335 big league games (including 216 starts), Erskine went 122-78 with an even 4.00 ERA striking out 981 batters in 1637 innings pitched. 

After returning to Indiana, Erskine would become the father of son named Jimmy who was diagnosed with Down's Syndrome. Instead of institutionalizing his son, the Erskines strove to raise their son as a full member of society. Jimmy would later compete in the Special Olympics and his father spent more than half a century as a champion of the Special Olympics. 

Last year, Erskine was bestowed with the Buck O'Neil Award during the 2023 Baseball Hall of Fame ceremonies to commemorate his advocacy for persons with disabilities. Sadly, Jimmy would pass away last November at the age of 63. Nevertheless, it was remarkable considering that back in the 1960's a person diagnosed with Down's Syndrome had a life expectancy of 10 years. Erskine standing shoulder to shoulder with his son would be his most lasting legacy. R.I.P.

Whitey Herzog Was a Pivotal Figure in The History of The New York Mets, Kansas City Royals & St. Louis Cardinals

Former MLB player, coach, scout, front office leader and manager Whitey Herzog passed away yesterday of a long illness. He was 92. 

Born Dorrel Norman Elvert Herzog in New Athens, Illinois in 1931, the man who would become known simply as "Whitey" for his light locks, was signed by the New York Yankees out of high school in 1949. Herzog would play 8 undistinguished seasons as an outfielder and first baseman with the Washington Senators, Kansas City Athletics, Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers between 1956 and 1963 with a lifetime batting average of .257. 

Herzog would make his mark on baseball after his playing career was over. Or as Herzog himself said, "Baseball has been good to me since I quit trying to play it."

Herzog would return to the A's in 1964 first as a scout and then the following season as part of the coaching staff. In 1966, Herzog would join the New York Mets as the third base coach under manager Wes Westrum. The following year, the Mets appointed Herzog as the team's director of player development. In this role, Herzog was critical in cultivating players like Gary Gentry, Jon Matlack, Ken Singleton and John Milner who either contributed to the 1969 World Series winning Miracle Mets or to the 1973 Ya Gotta Believe NL champion Mets. 

Following Gil Hodges sudden death in 1972, it was believed that Herzog would be named the team's manager. But Mets management didn't even want Herzog at Hodges' funeral much less in the dugout. The job would go to Yogi Berra who did manage the Mets to the NL pennant in 1973. Herzog would spend most of the 1973 managing the Texas Rangers but would be dumped before season's end.

Herzog was on the California Angels coaching staff in 1974 and even served as the team's interim manager after the team fired Bobby Winkles and before they hired Dick Williams. In the middle of the 1975 season, Herzog would get his chance to manage again this time with the Kansas City Royals replacing Jack McKeon. Herzog would lead the Royals to three consecutive AL West titles from 1976 through 1978. Unfortunately, the Royals could never solve the New York Yankees losing to them in three consecutive ALCS showdowns.

The Royals would dismiss Herzog following the 1979 season in favor of Jim Frey who would guide the team to their first AL pennant in 1980. In the middle of the 1980 season, Herzog would move across state to assume his best-known role as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals. Emphasizing pitching, defense, lots of stolen bases and not much power, Herzog guided the Redbirds to a World Series title upending the slugging Milwaukee Brewers in 7 games. During his first three seasons as Cardinals manager, he also served as the team's GM. The Cardinals would also win two NL pennants under Herzog in 1985 and 1987 though they would fall in 7 games to the Kansas City Royals (in controversial fashion) and the Minnesota Twins, respectively. 

Herzog would leave the Cardinals in the middle of the 1990 season. He remains the third winningest manager in Cardinals history behind only Red Schoendienst and Tony La Russa. Herzog would soon join the front office of the California Angels and eventually become their GM during the 1993 and 1994 seasons before retiring from baseball. In 2010, the Veterans Committee voted him into the Baseball Hall of Fame for his contributions to the game as a manager and in the front office. 

Whitey Herzog was a pivotal figure in the storied history of three franchises - the New York Mets, Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals. Few can make that claim for one team much less three. R.I.P.

John Sterling Departs Yankees Radio Booth

Yesterday, the New York Yankees announced that John Sterling would retire from their radio broadcast team effective immediately due to "health reasons."

Sterling, 85, had been calling Yankees games on the radio since 1989 and, at one point, for a 30-season stretch had called 5,531 consecutive regular season and post-season Yankees games until snapping his streak shortly before his 81st birthday in 2019 due to illness. 

A New York native, Sterling began his broadcasting career with the NBA's Baltimore Bullets in 1970. Sterling also lent his voice to the New Jersey Nets, the New York Islanders of the NHL, the New York Raiders of the short-lived World Hockey Association, the New York Stars of the equally short-lived World Football League as well as at the collegiate level at Morgan State University. In the 1980's, Sterling moved to Atlanta where he was the voice of both the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and got his first taste of MLB as the voice of the Atlanta Braves.

While Sterling will be best remembered for his association with the Yankees, I will always remember his call of the late Rick Camp's home run in the Braves 16-13 lost to the New York Mets in 19 innings on July 4, 1985. When Camp, a relief pitcher with a lifetime batting average of .074 over nine big league seasons with Atlanta, came up to bat in the bottom of the 18th, Sterling told Ernie Johnson after Camp fouled off an 0-1 pitch, "Ernie, if he hits a homerun to tie this game this game will be certified as absolutely the nuttiest in the history of baseball."

Two pitches later, Camp went deep, and I'll let John Sterling tell the rest of the story.

Ken Holtzman Wasn't The Second Coming of Sandy Koufax But Won More Games Than Any Other Jewish Pitcher

Former MLB pitcher Ken Holtzman, who won three consecutive World Series rings with the Oakland A's in the 1970's along with one more ring with the New York Yankees, passed away on April 14th of heart failure. He was 78. 

Holtzman, a native of St. Louis, was a fourth-round pick of the Chicago Cubs in the inaugural MLB draft in 1965. That September, Holtzman would make his MLB debut with the Cubs at the age of 19. 

A Jewish southpaw, Holtzman was unfairly compared to Sandy Koufax. Although Holtzman did best Koufax in what turned out to be Koufax's last regular season game in 1966 and would surpass Koufax to win more games than any other Jewish pitcher in MLB history, Koufax was a class unto himself. 

Nevertheless, Holtzman developed into a very dependable big-league pitcher with the Cubs as the number two starter behind future Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Holtzman did have flashes of the spectacular. In 1967, his military service commitment with the National Guard limited Holtzman to starting games on the weekends. In 12 starts, Holtzman went 9-0 with a 2.53 ERA. While a member of the Cubs, Holtzman tossed two no-hitters. The first was in 1969 against the Atlanta Braves and the second was in 1971 against the Cincinnati Reds. In the former no-hitter, Holtzman did not strikeout a single batter. This has not occurred in the 151 no-hitters thrown since. 

Following the 1971 season, the Cubs traded Holtzman to the Oakland A's for outfielder Rick Monday (who was the first player selected overall in the inaugural 1965 MLB draft). Holtzman was the final piece of the puzzle for the A's rotation as he was the number three starter behind Catfish Hunter and Vida Blue. 

In his four seasons with the A's, Holtzman won no fewer than 18 games earned a career high 21 wins in 1973. Holtzman would earn back-to-back AL All-Star selections in 1972 and 1973 along with earning three consecutive World Series rings with the A's from 1972 through 1974. He would earn at least one win in each of those three World Series and was the winning pitcher in Game 7 of the 1973 Fall Classic against the New York Mets. 

Alas all good things must come to an end. Prior to the 1976 season, Charlie Finley began to break up the A's as he would send Holtzman along with Reggie Jackson to the Baltimore Orioles for Don Baylor, Mike Torrez and journeyman pitcher Paul Mitchell. 

However, Holtzman would only make 13 starts in an Orioles uniform before being dealt yet again that June to the New York Yankees in a 10-player deal which saw Holtzman along with catcher Elrod Hendricks and pitchers Doyle Alexander and Grant Jackson join the Bronx Bombers while the Orioles would acquire Rick Dempsey, Scott McGregor and Tippy Martinez who would become the nucleus of the 1979 AL champion O's and a World Series winner in 1983. 

Although Holtzman would win his fourth World Series ring with the Yankees in 1977 he did not pitch in the World Series. Indeed, Holtzman's pitching deteriorated significantly once he wore Yankee pinstripes. In June 1978, the Yankees would deal Holtzman back to the Cubs in exchange for a young relief pitcher named Ron Davis. Holtzman would conclude his big-league career in Wrigley in 1979. In 451 career games (410 of them starts), Holtzman went 174-150 with a 3.49 ERA striking out 1601 batters while walking 910 in 2861.1 innings pitched completing 127 games. 

Holtzman would largely stay out of the public eye but would return to manage in the short-lived Israel Baseball League in 2007. 

I leave you with Holtzman recording the final out of his first no-hitter when he got none other than Hank Aaron to ground out to end the game. R.I.P.

Fritz Peterson Was a Very Good Pitcher When The Yankees Weren't So Good

Former MLB pitcher Fritz Peterson, who spent the bulk of his career with the New York Yankees during the 1960s and 1970s, passed away on April 11th of complications of Alzheimer's Disease. He was 82. 

Peterson, a Chicago native, was signed by the Yankees out of Northern Illinois University in 1963 and would make his big-league debut in 1966. By the time, Peterson was wearing pinstripes the glory days were over. Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford still with the team, but well past their prime. 

Despite their descent into mediocrity, Peterson along with Mel Stottlemyre made a good accounting of themselves on the mound. From 1966 through 1972, Peterson reached double digits in wins every year but one. In 1970, Peterson was selected to his lone AL All-Star Team while attaining a career high 20 wins. 

However, Peterson is best known for "trading" wives, children and pets with fellow Yankees pitcher Mike Kekich in 1973. This would affect his on field performance with the Yankees who would trade Peterson to the Cleveland Indians during the 1974 season in a trade which brought both first baseman Chris Chambliss and reliever Dick Tidrow to the Bronx. Peterson did regain his form on the mound with the Tribe in 1975 winning 14 games. However, Peterson would develop shoulder trouble and finished his big-league career with the Texas Rangers the following season. In 11 big league seasons, Peterson had a won loss record of 133-131 with a 3.30 ERA with 1015 strikeouts and only 426 walks in 2218.1 innings pitched. Peterson's walks to innings pitched ratio of 1.73 is the lowest among lefthanded pitchers in the past 100 years. 

Yet Peterson will be forever remembered for what occurred off the field. Although it would cause him grief, he eventually came out on top. While Kekich and Marilyn Peterson did not last long, Fritz Peterson remained with Suzanne Kekich for more than 50 years until death did them part. R.I.P.

Stephen Strasburg Pitched Great When He Was Healthy; He Just Couldn't Stay Healthy

On Sunday, Stephen Strasburg officially announced his retirement from MLB. Strasburg, who spent his entire 13-year MLB career with the Washington Nationals, last pitched in 2022. 

Strasburg's reputation preceded him before he even threw his first big league pitch. The first overall pick of the 2009 MLB draft, when Strasburg made his MLB debut with the Nats on June 8, 2010, he struck out 14 Pittsburgh Pirates over 7 innings. His starts became "must see TV." But by the end of August 2010, after striking out 92 batters while walking only 17 in 68 innings pitched, Strasburg would require Tommy John surgery. He would be limited to 5 starts in 2011 and was controversially placed on an innings limit when he returned in 2012. Left off the post-season roster, the controversy did not die down when the Nats were eliminated by the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS after blowing a 6-0 lead in the decisive Game 5. 

Even after coming back from Tommy John surgery, Strasburg could not stay off the disabled list/injured list be it 2013, twice in 2015, twice in 2016, 2017 and twice in 2018. It is not surprising that Strasburg pitched more than 200 innings only twice in his career - 2014 and 2019. The latter year represented the pinnacle of his success leading the NL in wins (18) and innings pitched (209) while striking out a career high 251 batters against only 56 walks. Then came the 2019 post-season in which Strasburg went 5-0 with a 1.96 ERA striking out 47 batters and walking only four in 36.2 innings pitched earning the 2019 World Series MVP as D.C. got its first World Series parade in 95 years. 

In the off-season, Strasburg opted out of his contract and re-signed with the Nats on a 7-year, $245 million deal. Perhaps it was the euphoria of the World Series, but the contract would prove to be the ruin for both Strasburg and the Nats. From 2020 to 2022, Strasburg started 8 games going 1-4 with a 6.89 ERA as he surrendered 24 runs in only 31.1 innings pitched. He would be on the IL six more times during this period while the Nats descended into a second division team. 

What did Strasburg in was thoracic outlet syndrome. Last year, Strasburg had two neck muscles and a rib removed to alleviate the pain. That's hardly conducive to normal living much less playing baseball. As longtime Nats GM Mike Rizzo put it, "When he was on the mound, he was as good as any pitcher in baseball — ever. Unfortunately for him and for us, it wasn't as we wanted it to be."

In his 247 big league starts over 13 seasons with the Washington Nationals, Strasburg went 113-62 with a 3.24 ERA striking out 1723 batters against only 394 walks in 1470 innings pitched. 

Not bad. But a lot of people will say Stephen Strasburg could have done better including Stephen Strasburg himself. 

Elizabeth Warren Claims Israel is Committing Genocide & Starving Children in Gaza

Last Friday, while speaking at the Islamic Center of Boston in Wayland, Massachusetts, Senator Elizabeth Warren claimed the International Court of Justice "has ample evidence" to demonstrate Israel is committing genocide. She also claimed Israel was starving children in Gaza:

If you want to do it as an application of law, I believe that they’ll find that it is genocide, and they have ample evidence to do so.

For me, it is far more important to say what Israel is doing is wrong. And it is wrong. It is wrong to starve children within a civilian population in order to try to bend to your will. It is wrong to drop 2000-pound bombs, in densely populated civilian areas.

A spokesman for Warren later stated on Monday that the Senator, “commented on the ongoing legal process at the International Court of Justice, not sharing her views on whether genocide is occurring in Gaza.” 

Those are weasel words. A distinction without difference. If Warren thinks the ICJ "has ample evidence" that Israel has committed genocide, then it means she is in agreement with that assessment. Why else would she claim that Israel is starving children? Why would else would she claim Israel is deliberately killing civilians?

Of course, Warren is simply being dishonest. This article from John Spencer of West Point demonstrates the ends to which Israel has bent over backwards to mitigate civilian casualties in Gaza:

The predominant Western theory of executing wars, called maneuver warfare, seeks to shatter an enemy morally and physically with surprising, overwhelming force and speed, striking at the political and military centers of gravity so that the enemy is destroyed or surrenders quickly. This was the case in the invasions of Panama in 1989, Afghanistan in 2001, Iraq in 2003 and the failed illegal attempt by Russia to take Ukraine in 2022. In all these cases, no warning or time was given to evacuate cities.

In many ways, Israel has had to abandon this established playbook in order to prevent civilian harm. The IDF has telegraphed almost every move ahead of time so civilians can relocate, nearly always ceding the element of surprise. This has allowed Hamas to reposition its senior leaders (and the Israel hostages) as needed through the dense urban terrain of Gaza and the miles of underground tunnels it's built.

Hamas fighters, who unlike the IDF don't wear uniforms, have also taken the opportunity to blend into civilian populations as they evacuate. The net effect is that Hamas succeeds in its strategy of creating Palestinian suffering and images of destruction to build international pressure on Israel to stop its operations, therefore ensuring Hamas' survival.

As to starvation, it is Hamas which is robbing its own people to sell aid on the black market.  

But Senator Warren isn't interested in the facts. She is only interested in appeasing those who demonstrate in front of her office and her home even if their claims are based on lies. 

Of course, I've never been a fan of Warren. That she would say this comes as no surprise to me. But if President Biden uses the g-word where it concerns Israel then that will cost him my support. That is my red line.

Jerry Grote Was The Greatest Catcher in New York Mets History

(from www.jerrygrote.com)

On Sunday, former MLB catcher Jerry Grote passed away at the age of 81 of respiratory failure. 

The Texas native spent the bulk of his 16-year MLB career with the New York Mets after starting out with the Houston Colt 45s. Grote also two stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers and also briefly played with the Kansas City Royals. But Grote was a Met through and through. I would dare say that Grote was the greatest catcher in Mets history.

Now this is saying a lot. After all, the Mets have two catchers in Cooperstown - the late Gary Carter and Mike Piazza with the latter wearing a Mets a cap on his plaque. Of course, Carter was a cornerstone of the Mets' 1986 World Series title while Piazza was the power behind the Mets' NL pennant in 2000. Both Carter and Piazza were better offensive players than Grote. Indeed, Grote only hit 39 career HR while Piazza twice belted 40 in a season. 

Yet without Grote there's a very good chance the Mets win neither the 1969 World Series nor the NL pennant in 1973. During his near dozen years at Shea Stadium, Grote mentored pitchers such as Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Gary Gentry, Nolan Ryan, Tug McGraw and Jon Matlack. Upon learning of the passing of his former roommate, Matlack said of Grote, "He was the best catcher I ever threw to.  I don’t think I ever shook him off once." Koosman said that Grote was "the reason for his success." When Seaver was inducted into Cooperstown in 1992, Grote was one of three catchers Tom Terrific singled out for praise. The two others were fellow Hall of Famers Carlton Fisk and Johnny Bench. 

Bench, considered by most as the greatest catcher in MLB history, also had high praise for Grote stating, "If Jerry Grote was on my team, I'd be playing third base."

Now that's some epitaph. R.I.P.

On Viewing My First Total Solar Eclipse

This afternoon I viewed my first total solar eclipse, and I can still see.

I avoided the last total solar eclipse in August 2017 because of my fear of blindness which was deeply embedded within me during the total solar eclipse of February 1979 when my family was living in Victoria, British Columbia. 

I was initially going to avoid this one too. In my job, I rely on my eyes. If I lose use of them then I don't know what I would do. However, my employer provided free viewing glasses. We are also not going to experience another eclipse until August 23, 2044. I would be less than a month shy of my 72nd birthday. I am now at a stage of my life where I can wonder if I'll be around when it comes. So I decided to have this moment in the sun.

Boston was not in the direct path of the eclipse, so it didn't get that dark here. Better views were to be had in this part of the country in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. But I did get a look through my glasses at around 3 p.m. and just before 3:30 p.m. from inside the building where I work. However, I made a point of not looking for very long. 

Alas I could not capture the image on my iPad. You'll just have to settle for the glorious sun knowing the moon had crossed it. 

Thoughts on Hank Aaron's 715th HR 50 Years Later

It was 50 years ago this hour in Atlanta, Georgia when Hank Aaron, with a swing of the bat off Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Al Downing, hit his 715th homerun surpassing Babe Ruth as MLB's all-time leader.

Aaron would hit 40 more HR over the next three seasons to finish with 755. His record would fall to Barry Bonds a little over 30 years later in 2007. Although Aaron appeared by video to congratulate Bonds, public sentiment was not with him given the means he took to attain the record. As such, Aaron's 715th HR will always be more meaningful than Bonds' 756th. 

After all, it must be remembered that while many didn't want Bonds to surpass Aaron there were also many who didn't want Aaron to surpass The Babe as he was subject to a torrent of racist hate mail and death threats against himself and his family. 

While the processing of chasing Ruth was not a pleasant one, but when Aaron surpassed The Bambino legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully observed, "A black man is getting a standing ovation in the Deep South for breaking a record of an all-time baseball idol." However, the cheers which mattered to Aaron the most were the embrace of his father Herbert and his mother Estella. 

Sadly, Aaron passed away in 2021. But many who witnessed the event are still among us including Downing as well as Braves teammate Dusty Baker who was on deck when Aaron hit the home run and Braves reliever Tom House who caught the ball in the Atlanta bullpen. 

The term baseball history is grossly overused, but April 8, 1974 was truly a historical moment for baseball and America.

Pat Zachry Was Yet Another Baseball "What Might Have Been"

Former MLB pitcher Pat Zachry, best known for being the co-winner of the 1976 NL Rookie of the Year, passed away on Thursday following a lengthy illness at the age of 71. Zachry's death was announced by his former Cincinnati Reds teammate Johnny Bench. 

Zachry, a lifelong resident of Waco, Texas, was drafted out of high school by the Reds as a 19th round draft pick in 1970. Given the depth of the Big Red Machine, Zachry pitched in the minor leagues for six seasons before getting a crack at the big-league roster in 1976 after the Reds traded Clay Kirby to the Montreal Expos. 

Zachry made the most of his opportunity. After beginning the season out of the bullpen, the Reds moved Zachry into the starting rotation following an injury to Don Gullett. In 38 appearances (including 28 starts), Zachry went 14-7 with a 2.74 ERA striking out 143 batters in 204 innings pitched. He would share NL Rookie of the Year honors with San Diego Padres reliever Butch Metzger. If that wasn't enough, Zachry earned a World Series ring with the Reds winning Game 3 of the four-game sweep of the New York Yankees.

Unfortunately, this would prove to be the zenith of Zachry's career. He would struggle during the 1977 season following hernia surgery and elbow trouble. In a dozen starts with the Reds, Zachry went 3-7 while his earned ballooned to 5.04. On June 15th, the Reds would trade Zachry along with pitcher Dan Norman, infielder Doug Flynn and outfielder Steve Henderson to the New York Mets in exchange for Tom Seaver in what was known as the "Midnight Massacre". In 19 starts for the Mets, Zachry made a decent accounting of himself going 7-6 with 3.76 ERA. 

In 1978, Zachry would earn his only All-Star Game selection. He was potentially on his way to a 20-win season with a mediocre Mets club. However, in a game against the Reds on July 24th, after being lifted for a pinch hitter, Zachry tried to kick a batting helmet and ended up kicking the steps injuring his foot and putting his season to a halt. In 21 starts with the Mets in 1978, Zachry went 10-6 with a 3.33 ERA.

Injuries would keep Zachry off the mound for most of the 1979 season though he did pitch well in limited action going 5-1 with a 3.59 ERA in seven starts. Although Zachry would post a solid 3.01 ERA in 1980, his won-loss record that season was 6-10. The Mets had a paltry offense, and they were shutout in four of his 10 losses that season. Prior to the 1981 season, Zachry re-signed with the Mets for $2 million over five seasons. During the strike shortened season of 1981, Zachry would lead the NL in losses with 14 while leading the league in home runs surrendered with 13. By 1982, Zachry was pitching primarily out of the bullpen. Although he had re-signed with the Mets, Zachry did not like pitching in New York describing it as going "from the penthouse to the outhouse."

Following the 1982 season, the Mets traded Zachry to the Los Angeles Dodgers for infielder Jorge Orta. Pitching almost exclusively out of the bullpen, Zachry went 6-1 with a 2.49 ERA in 40 appearances. The Dodgers would win the NL West that season marking his first return to the post-season since 1976. Zachry made two appearances in the NLCS, but the Dodgers would fall to the Philadelphia Phillies. 

After one more season in Dodger blue, Zachry would be traded to the Phillies for first baseman Al Oliver. However, the Phillies used Zachry sparingly and the team would release him in June after pitching only 12.2 innings over 10 appearances. At age 33, no one wanted his services. In reality, it was the beginning of MLB owners colluding to keep salaries down thus cutting short the careers of many players. In 10 MLB seasons, Zachry went 69-67 with a 3.52 ERA in 293 appearances (154 of those starts). In 1,177.1 innings pitched, Zachry struck out 669 batters while walking 495. Zachry would later pitch in the short-lived Senior Professional Baseball Association in the late 1980's. 

Like his former Reds teammate Don Gullett who passed away earlier this year, Zachry is yet another baseball "what might have been". 

Zachry would return home to Waco and eventually follow his wife Sharron into teaching. Sadly, in November 2016, his wife was killed in a car accident in which he was injured. I have no doubt the loss of his wife to whom he had been married for 40 years contributed to the illness which led to his passing. R.I.P.

Both Biden and Trump Have Soured on Israel

President Biden and defeated, former President Trump are rarely on the same wavelength. But both men seem to be agreement that they have soured on Israel.

Yesterday, amid the Israeli airstrike which resulted in the deaths of 7 humanitarian aid workers with World Central Kitchen, President Biden called the incident "unacceptable" following a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The White House stated:

He made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers. He made clear that U.S. policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these steps.

While Trump has expressed his contempt for President Biden concerning his approach to Israel with claims Hamas would never attacked if he had been in office, he echoed Biden in being critical of Israel telling Hugh Hewitt that Israel needs to “get back to peace and stop killing people.”

Of course, only days after Hamas attack, Trump made a blistering attack on Israel specifically on Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Much of Trump's attack was motivated by the fact that Netanyahu had the temerity to congratulate Biden on winning the 2020 election, a diplomatic formality. 

Yes, I am bothered by President Biden's posture towards Israel. He claims to be "outraged" at the killing of the 7 World Food Kitchen workers, but when a drone strike intended for ISIS-K in the closing days of the War in Afghanistan killed a family of 10 including 8 children, Biden made no mention of it and has never said a word about it. 

But to those who object to President Biden's cold shoulder to Israel, I would not count on Trump's support in view of his open contempt for Netanyahu over an imagined slight. Indeed, it is slight every bit as imagined as his delusions that he won the 2020 election. 

Whatever my disappointment in Biden's shift in tone towards in Israel, he remains infinitely preferable to Trump in all respects. 

Last Season in Oakland; A's Will Play in Sacramento Through 2027 or 2028 Before Moving to Vegas

Well, it is official. Baseball's vagabonds will be on the move at the end of the 2024 season.

After 57 seasons in Oakland, the A's will move to Sacramento and play at least through the 2027 season and possibly the 2028 season before moving to Las Vegas. 

The A's will play in Sutter Health Park which has a seating capacity of 14,000 and former players are warning that the facility isn't up to snuff. Sutter Health Park currently is the home of the Sacramento River Cats, the Triple AAA affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Ironically enough, the River Cats might start playing some of their games next year in Oakland. The A's have a three-year lease in Sacramento with an option for 2028. Of course, what will happen if there's no ballpark for the A's to play in by 2029?

What isn't clear though is if the team will still be called the Oakland A's. If it is I'm surely it will leave a bad taste in the mouths of Oakland fans. On Opening Day, A's fans boycotted the game with a protest outside the Oakland Coliseum. 

Wherever, the A's play there isn't much to cheer about. The A's have had back-to-back 100 plus loss seasons and have started this season 1-6. 

There might be a certain novelty in having MLB in Sacramento, but if the product is bad and the facility is bad then fans will continue to stay away. The folks in Vegas are even less enthusiastic about it. 

I can only imagine how Connie Mack and Charlie Finley would react to this spectacle if they were still alive.

What Motive Does Israel Have in Deliberately Killing Humanitarian Aid Workers?

Chef Jose Andres, founder of World Central Kitchen, has accused Israel of intentionally killing 7 relief workers serving with his organization on April 1st.  

"We were targeted deliberately, nonstop, until everybody was dead in this convoy," said Andres. He also claimed the IDF targeted his relief workers "systematically, car by car."

Now it is understandable that Andres is angry, upset and in grief at the loss of 7 people who devoted their lives to his organization. However, Andres' accusation was echoed by World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore who stated, “I am heartbroken and appalled that we—World Central Kitchen and the world—lost beautiful lives today because of a targeted attack by the IDF."

There is no question something went horribly wrong on the part of the IDF as exemplified by the apology given by IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted responsibility for the fatal error. 

But why on Earth would the IDF deliberately want to target World Central Kitchen and its workers? Aside from being barbaric, cruel and inhumane, the IDF and Israel at large gains nothing from their deaths. So where is the motive on the part of Israel to kill these humanitarian workers?

Unless, of course, Andres and his organization are engaging in defamation and simply wish to cast aspersions on Israel and the Jewish people. Andres has claimed that Israel is engaged in "a war against humanity itself." So, what exactly does that make Hamas?

Naturally, I hope this isn't the case as Andres and World Central Kitchen have done good work around the world. In fairness to Andres, he did stick up for restauranteur Michael Solonomov when his restaurant in Philadelphia was the target of an anti-Semitic mob last December. 

Yet for Andres to suggest, without evidence, that Israel deliberately killed members of his organization could cause retaliation against Jewish civilians in Israel and beyond. If Jose Andres believes there has been enough killing, then why say things which are likely to cause more killing?

Astros Earn 1st Win of 2024 Season on No-Hitter by Ronel Blanco

After an 0-4 start, the Houston Astros earned their first win of the 2024 season last night by way of a no-hitter by Ronel Blanco besting the Toronto Blue Jays 10-0. 

Aside from two walks to former Astro George Springer, Blanco was perfect in only his 8th big league start. It is only the 3rd career big league win for the 30-year-old Dominican born right-hander. 

The Astros, on the other hand, are becoming quite familiar with no-hitters with the team tossing four of the last seven pitched since 2022. On June 25, 2022, Astros pitchers Cristian Javier, Hector Neris and Ryan Pressly combined on a no-hitter against the New York Yankees. In that year's World Series, Javier and Pressly would be joined by Bryan Abreu and Rafael Montero in no-hitting the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the Fall Classic. On August 1, 2023, Astros starter Framber Valdez tossed a no-no against the Cleveland Guardians. Overall, Blanco's no-hitter is the 17th in Astros franchise history. Only the Boston Red Sox (18), Chicago White Sox (20) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (26) have more no-hitters as a team. 

Not bad for a fellow who was washing cars as he was turned down by the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Tampa Bay Rays' Dominican baseball academies. Even if Blanco does nothing else, nobody can take away the fact he made it to the show and that he threw a no-hitter.

RFK, Jr's Claim That Biden is a "Worse Threat to Democracy" Than Trump is an April Fool's Joke

In an interview with Erin Burnett on CNN last night, independent presidential candidate Robert Kennedy, Jr. claimed President Biden is "a worse threat to democracy" than defeated, former President Donald Trump:

I can make the argument that President Biden is the much worse threat to democracy, and the reason for that is President Biden is the first candidate in history – the first president in history that has used the federal agencies to censor political speech, so to censor his opponent.

Given that RFK, Jr. made this claim on April Fool's Day, one can view it as a joke. The problem is there are people who will accept RFK, Jr.'s word at face value.

The fact is that Meta (which owns and operates Facebook and Instagram) suspended RFK, Jr.'s accounts in May 2022 for spreading vaccine misinformation. At the time, RFK, Jr. claimed, “Facebook is acting here as a surrogate for the federal government’s crusade to silence all criticism of draconian government policies.”

RFK, Jr. can make all the accusations he wants, but he cannot point to any executive order or directive by President Biden demonstrating federal governmental involvement. The fact is Meta is a publicly traded company which restored his accounts in June 2023 after declaring his White House bid. If President Biden was truly a greater danger to democracy than Trump then RFK, Jr. would have no presidential bid much less any social media accounts.

All of which makes Cleveland Plain-Dealer editor Chris Quinn's letter so salient:

The facts involving Trump are crystal clear, and as news people, we cannot pretend otherwise, as unpopular as that might be with a segment of our readers. There aren’t two sides to facts. People who say the earth is flat don’t get space on our platforms. If that offends them, so be it.

As for those who equate Trump and Joe Biden, that’s false equivalency. Biden has done nothing remotely close to the egregious, anti-American acts of Trump. We can debate the success and mindset of our current president, as we have about most presidents in our lifetimes, but Biden was never a threat to our democracy. Trump is. He is unique among all American presidents for his efforts to keep power at any cost.

Frankly, when RFK, Jr. spouts his anti-vaccine propaganda he is telling us the earth is flat. The same is true when he tells us that President Biden is a worse threat to democracy than Donald Trump. President Biden had nothing to do with Meta's decision to remove RFK, Jr. from their social media platforms. They alone chose to remove his accounts and they alone chose to restore his accounts.

As for President Biden, when has he ever called for the arrest of a political opponent much less disputed the outcome of an election? Should President Biden lose to Trump in November, he will concede. Full stop. The same simply cannot be said of Trump who will move heaven and hell to prevent Biden from serving a second term. And if RFK, Jr. thinks life is rough under a Biden presidency, he has no idea what he is in store for should Trump return to the White House.

Thoughts on Canada's Carbon Tax Increase

During my brief Canadian visit, the news headlines were dominated by the Trudeau government's increase in the carbon tax which took effect today. 

The carbon tax was implemented federally by the Trudeau government in 2019. There are several provincial and territorial jurisdictions which have their own carbon tax - British Columbia, Quebec and the Northwest Territories. The federal carbon tax has separate schemes for both industry and consumers. The latter group receives rebates on a quarterly basis.

However, what is complicating the rollout of this tax increase is that Canada is in the midst of what is being termed an affordability crisis especially in the area of housing at both the rental and ownership level as well as soaring food prices. Whereas the U.S. unemployment rate has been below 4% for just about two years, Canada's unemployment rate is nearing 6% (5.8%). 

With an election no later than 18 months away, the Trudeau Liberals (who are in minority government alliance with the NDP led by Jagmeet Singh) have consistently been trailing the Tories led by Trump styled populist Pierre Poilievre by double digits. In polls taken in March 2024, the Tories led the Liberals between 14 and 21 points. If you think President Biden has re-election problems, his problems pale in comparison to those of Trudeau. 

Some Liberals such as Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey asked Trudeau to delay implementing the carbon tax but Trudeau dismissed Furey's concerns claiming that he is bowing to "political pressure". Furey pleaded with Trudeau for an 11th hour meeting, but to no avail. Trudeau allies are not exactly in ample supply. Furey is only the Liberal Premier in all of Canada. 

By the time the election rolls around Trudeau will have been in power for a decade and people have grown tired of Trudeau and are tuning him out. Of course, this isn't limited to one person, one ideology or one country. U.K. voters cannot wait to toss out the Tories after nearly 15 years in office as the party is projected to win fewer than 100 seats with Labour expected to win more than 450 seats in an election which could be called later this year.

At least where the Tories are concerned in Canada, they have the wind at their back. Poilievre has been holding "Axe the Tax" rallies all over the country drawing thousands of people. But should the Tories be elected; I don't believe Poilievre will axe the tax. He might reduce it or say he will gradually phase it out. If his government does eliminate the carbon tax, he'll probably replace it with an even more regressive tax. But right now, Poilievre can say anything because he is not in any position to implement anything. The next Canadian federal election is his to lose - even if he does knowingly march with white supremacists. In which case, Canada will get their own Trump.

Reflections on My Brief Visit to Thunder Bay

 

For the first time in a very long time, I set foot on Canadian soil. 

For the first time in an even longer time, I set foot in my hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario.

My reason for doing so was a simple. It was my mother's 80th birthday. And if not now, then when?

The logistics of getting from Point A to Point B proved more difficult than I would have liked. Instead of my bag going straight through from Boston to Thunder Bay as it has in the past, I had to collect my bag in Toronto and go through customs twice. Once in Canada, I could not find a place to exchange currency and had to use U.S dollars. I was reminded there is a certain segment of Canadians who hold all things American in contempt including U.S. dollars. Mind you, there was a time when I was guilty of holding such sentiments. Now it is I who is the ugly American. 

There was also the annoyance of having to put a deposit on a hotel room which I had already paid in advance. It was annoyance because at no point did anyone tell me this would be part of the transaction. Complicating matters was the hotel would not accept my Visa debit cards forcing me to use a credit card for the first time in nearly three years which was something I had wanted to avoid. During the course of my stay, the heat stopped working in my hotel room forcing the use of a space heater. 

Then there was the fact Thunder Bay had a snowstorm which lasted more than three days dropping about 15 inches of snow. Or should I say 40 cm? However you measure it, the snow ended before my arrival in the city. 

Annoyances and inconveniences notwithstanding, I got to Point B and spent quality time with my mother and sister along with my sister's cat although she spent most of my visit under the bed as she is frightened of everyone and everything. While she was curious about my bags and shoes, her curiosity did not extend to me. This is a cat that will not be going to Harvard anytime soon. 

I also spent time reacquainting myself with the city. After spending so many years away, my recollection of where places were situated had become muddied. Places looked simultaneously familiar and unfamiliar. I managed to jog my memory by walking along the Thunder Bay Marina and taking numerous pictures of The Sleeping Giant (as seen above) as well as to my high school alma mater Port Arthur Collegiate Institute (P.A.C.I.) which is now the Lakehead University School of Law and the house Mom lived in for more than 30 years (of which I spent seven years there). On our way to a Vietnamese restaurant in the Fort William section we also passed the house I spent most of the first dozen years of my life.

There are parts of Thunder Bay which are quite desolate. Although this can be said of many communities in both Canada and the United States, the desolation takes on a different meaning when one knows of a time when the place while not thriving had some character and dignity. It is heartbreaking to see the Hoito gone up in flames and even more heartbreaking to see nothing built in its place. It doesn't help that Thunder Bay is the murder capital of Canada. While the hotel was all of a 10-minute walk from my mother and sister's apartment, they both insisted I send them a text when I arrived at my hotel room which I dutifully did to put them at ease.

Yet along with the desolation, there is a quiet in Thunder Bay and not much to do and this is of some appeal to my mother and sister. Whereas Dad has chosen to live out his days in the city which never sleeps. I find myself somewhere in the middle. Thunder Bay is no Boston, but Boston is no New York. As such, I was happy to be going home and the journey back was smoother. 

Still, Thunder Bay is not without its charm. The trees are a darker shade of green that I don't see anywhere else. I had also forgotten how late the sun stays out in March. Here it is pitch dark at 8 p.m. while the light still shines in Thunder Bay. In the summer you can still see daylight at 10 p.m. I remember when my Dad and I would play catch at Hillcrest Park at 9 p.m. under a bright sun. 

Should I visit Thunder Bay again I hope to do so one of these summers, but I don't know when I'll be going back that way again. 

The World Has Basically Told Hamas It Can Do Whatever The Hell It Wants

There's never been a better time to be Hamas. 

Here we have an organization which engineered a mass slaughter of innocent civilians while taking hostages and engaging in sexual barbarism against those in captivity.

But we have the UN Security Council, with the help from an abstention from the Biden Administration, demanding a ceasefire without condemning the massacre much less demanding Hamas release the hostages as a precondition to a ceasefire. 

With the UN Human Rights Council certain to accuse Israel of committing genocide even though it is Hamas which has long hidden amongst civilians Hamas which is stealing aid and selling it on the black market. Hamas can afford to decline to release any hostages let alone agree to a ceasefire. Instead of allowing Israel to eradicate Hamas, the international community (with the Biden Administration looking the other way) has given Hamas safe harbor in Rafah thus prolonging the war instead of its cessation. 

For all intents and purposes, the world has told it Hamas can basically do whatever the hell it wants, and Hamas is celebrating with glee. Why wouldn't they? They've been allowed to get away with mass murder.

Why I Won't Be Going To The Wilbur Theatre Again (Or So Much For That Emmylou Harris Concert)

(via Wikipedia)

Emmylou Harris has been on my concert bucket list for about 30 years now. Tonight, the stars were finally set to be aligned as I was scheduled to see and hear her in concert at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston. I had purchased a ticket from the box office a little over a week ago after attending the Auschwitz exhibit just down the road.

However, as I would learn, just because you have a ticket doesn't mean you're welcome to the show.

I had a bag with me as I often do, and it was subject to search. However, the gentleman searching the bag was rather agitated and said to one of his co-workers, "There's too much shit in here." At which point, I asked, "So what's happening?" 

The fellow said, "Your bag is too large. I'm afraid I can't let you in. Our bag policy is on our website."

"I saw A.J. Croce here back in October with this same bag and had no problem," I pointed out.

The fellow reiterated, "The bag policy is on our website."

I countered, "But I bought my ticket at the box office and the ticket says nothing about bag restrictions."

The fellow, not listening, said, "The bag policy is on our website."

"This is outrageous," I replied. 

One of his colleagues laughed, "Well, you can take your stuff out of your bag and just carry it with you," knowing full well I couldn't do so.

I subsequently called the box office and the woman to whom I spoke reiterated what I had been told outside. She added I could try to have the W. hotel across the street hold the bag for the duration of the concert. I took her advice and went across the street. However, the front desk clerk said they only hold bags for paying guests. I called the box office back but could not get through.

The long and the short of it is that I'm out $75 and left holding the bag.

I will attempt to contact the box office tomorrow again to see if I can obtain a refund. But I doubt this will be forthcoming even I paid for a service and did not receive the service (re: entertainment in the form of a concert). 

In which case, I will contact the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation to see if I have any recourse. 

Needless to say, I am quite unhappy. I expected a joyful evening of wonderful music. Instead, I was subjected to humiliating treatment.

Mind you, I have been going to the Wilbur Theatre for the better part of a quarter century. I first attended the Wilbur Theater in November 2000 for an off-Broadway production of Dinner with Friends with a cast which included Daniel Stern, Dana Delany, Rita Wilson and Kevin Kilner. In the years which have followed, I have seen the likes of Ben Gazzara starring in a one man play about Yogi Berra, America, The Zombies, Kris Kristofferson, Richard Thompson, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., The Monkees, Bob Newhart (twice), Jon Andersen and Glen Campbell among many others.

However, in light of this evening's unfortunate events, I shall not do any further business with the Wilbur Theatre regardless of whether I receive recompense. 

I consider myself a very patient and accommodating person. But once certain boundaries regarding fairness and respect are crossed there is no going back to the way things were. It is a matter of principle.

Of course, I don't hold any of this against Emmylou Harris. Such an occurrence could have happened with any performer. I hope an opportunity will come to pass to see and hear her in concert. Perhaps it will. It just won't be at the Wilbur Theatre.