Switchin’ Sezin?

As long-time readers of this blog are likely to know, I co-host the Forward Maryland podcast with the redoubtable Bill Woodcock.

Back on February 29 of this year, we interviewed Board of Education candidate (District 4), Sezin Palmer.  That conversation can be found here:

https://53beersontap.typepad.com/forward_maryland/2020/02/forward-maryland-episode-93-february-29-2020.html?fbclid=IwAR05sSWnHuYVi-_8Lx5BMdTa-XGcmcIrGV5HtzwhhNAh-QOOsnNsExvf3lM

It is important to note that we interview people who we believe have an interesting story to tell.  They don’t necessarily have to be in alignment with Bill’s views or mine.  Of course, this is not the only test to determine who receives an invitation.  Matt Levine, for example, is not welcome on the show.

Back to Ms. Palmer.  In February, her positioning seemed to be different than it is today.  I knew she stood with the anti-redistricting folks. Perhaps it was her more polished communications style compared to the aforementioned Mr. Levine, or Larry Pretlow in District 2, that led me to believe that she deserved an opportunity to come on the podcast.  Speaking for myself and myself alone, seeing where she has gone with her campaign and knowing what I know now, I would not have extended her an invitation.  There are several reasons why, in no particular order:

I believe there is a false assumption that she is some kind of apolitical, technocratic moderate.  The reality is that she actually holds rather extreme viewpoints.  She received a failing grade from the Community Allies of Rainbow Youth (CARY)…even Mr. Levine received a D.  She is a self-described “libertarian.”  The national Libertarian Party has espoused. the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education.  Moreover, if she is truly neither/nor on “Democratic or Republican” question, why is the Howard County Republican Club listing her as one of the candidates who “shares their conservative values?”  

How can she square being a self-proclaimed “fiscal conservative” with a commitment to being a committed advocate for education funding?  How would those values-in-action impact our teachers and students?  What programs or jobs are at risk? Remember: there is no “waste, fraud, and abuse” line item to cut.

She was, and is, critical of the most recent redistricting.  Her go-to solution, along the lines of “let’s study the problem more,” would have locked in overcrowding in many Howard County schools.  How would that have furthered the cause of educational excellence?

Her response to the Alfeo situation, as I noted on my Facebook page, was “weak sauce.”  How can she be an advocate for ALL of our students if her embrace of inclusion seems something less than complete?

Ms. Palmer also wrote that she and Matt “guns in schools” Levine agree on many issues.  Need I say more?  

The bottom line is either that Ms. Palmer has evolved (or devolved) on certain issues or she has revealed herself for the candidate she actually is.  Either way, she seems a very poor fit for the Board of Education in general and District 4 in particular.

In solidarity.

On Marx and HoCo Neighbors United

While Karl is, statistically speaking, much funnier, for this post I am referring to Groucho.

In his letter of resignation to the Friars’ Club, he famously wrote: “I don’t want to belong to any club that would accept me as one of its members.”

While I did not leave the Howard County Neighbors United Facebook group voluntarily (due to the swift and arbitrary work of their “admins”) I very much find myself in agreement with Groucho’s sentiment.  I suppose they imagine they exacted their gram of flesh following the Alfeo controversy.  Pity they failed in that regard, with not even a flesh wound to be found on the present author.

I thought they might perhaps appreciate the injection of some opposing views.  Apparently, their tree house of yes men and women is too small to accommodate differing perspectives.

That is fine by me, I am certain this group will fracture over one issue or another in the weeks and months ahead.   As Yeats wrote:

“Turning and turning in the widening gyre

The falcon cannot hear the falconer;

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;”

And there is decidedly no centre in that group.

Shifting our focus to the left, I came across a recent article in The Atlantic about the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA for short) and their increasing membership; a link to which can be found here: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/05/dsa-growing-during-coronavirus/611599/.

The DSA’s group membership now stands at “roughly 66,000.”  To put this number in context, the membership figure was just shy of 57,000 as recently as mid-November 2019.  In 2016, the numbers grew from 8,000 to 25,000. 

Several events are oft-cited for the DSA’s growth: the Sanders campaigns of 2016 and 2020, the walk of the fascists (also known as the “Unite the Right” rally) in Charlottesville, Virginia where a DSA member, Heather Heyer, was killed by a neo-Nazi, the campaign and election of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to Congress foremost among them.

Of course, I believe one has to look to the Great Recession, and the rising disaffection with neoliberalism, as providing the environment by which others would seek out alternative solutions to the political and economic challenges of our time.

I will wrap it up here.  But I strongly encourage my friends interested in socialism, or social democracy, or left ideas in general, to check out the DSA’s website:  https://www.dsausa.org/

With that, I will leave you with the first verse and chorus of the lyrics to The Internationale, as re-composed by the musical artist and activist Billy Bragg (inspired in part by a conversation he had with folk singer Pete Seeger).  Bragg’s performance of this song can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BIvqbyku5g

[Verse One]

Stand up, all victims of oppression

For the tyrants fear your might!

Don’t cling so hard to your possessions

For you have nothing if you have no rights!

Let racist ignorance be ended

For respect makes the empires fall

Freedom is merely privilege extended

Unless enjoyed by one and all.

[Chorus]

So come brothers and sisters

For the struggle carries on

The Internationale

Unites the world in song

So comrades, come rally

For this is the time and place!

The international ideal

Unites the human race

In solidarity.

Dangerous Mindsets

Far too many people today – nationally and locally – believe that discussing race is itself inherently racist.  This idea is preposterous. This line of “thought” represents the failure to recognize the lived experiences of Black and Brown Americans – not to mention the impact of racism that manifests itself economically, politically, socially, culturally,  and psychologically…over the course of hundreds of years.

Of course, that is considering racism from a macro-perspective.  Turning to specific cases, it doesn’t take much energy to locate recent tragedies…some covered extensively in the media, others less so. 

If you don’t think Ahmaud Arbery would be alive today if he were jogging while white, you are fooling yourself.  If you don’t think that Breonna Taylor would be alive today if she was sleeping while white, you are deceiving yourself.  If you don’t think that Nina Pop would be alive today if she was simply living while white, you are deluding yourself.  And those are three lives, three stories, three of millions.

The problem isn’t just overt racists.  It’s never been just about the KKK, or other white nationalists, or fascists, or their fellow travelers.  They have clearly infected our nation for years.  The problem goes much farther and deeper…the mindset of “color-blindness,”  the lack of willingness to call out racism out of some twisted notion of “politeness,” or the selfish re-centering of discussions on race and its impact on society such as: “Well, my great-great-great grandparents were discriminated against because they were Irish.” Or “Our family never owned slaves.” Or some version of “Some of my best friends are Black,” (generally uttered immediately after a person is called out for saying something racist).

What does this have to do with Howard County, the geography of most interest to my readers?  Well, everything.  Howard County does not reside in some magical anti-racism bubble, it never has.  It’s the delusion that racism is waning in our society that is truly dangerous.  There must be no complacency in the struggle against it, whether it emanates from the White House or from one’s neighbor in Columbia.  It is pervasive and is interwoven in many current local debates, notably school redistricting and curriculum discussions.  If you can’t recognize that then perhaps you need to engage in some self-reflection.  And for my self-described liberal readers, remember that color-blindness is simply blindness.

In solidarity.

A is for Ally

Recently, the Community Allies of Rainbow Youth (CARY) posted their Howard County Board of Education Survey and Ratings.  That information can be found here:

https://www.cary-hoco.org/boe-candidates.

In light of recent campaign developments, it is worth re-posting the grades here.  In this case, sorted by grade.  I believe this makes it easier to see the sharp divide that exists between the BoE candidates.  Also, let’s look for patterns.  If the candidate condemned the social media posts made by a certain BoE candidate in District Three, there will be an asterisk by their name.  Candidates who have been essentially endorsed by the Howard County Republican Club (Their own words: “We recommend you look at the following candidates that share our conservative values…”) will have an “R” by their name.

The Top of the Class:

Matthew Molyett – A (District 1)*

Antonia Barkley Watts – A (District 2)*

James Cecil – A (District 2)*

Jolene Mosley – A (District 3)*

Jen Mallo – A (District 4)*

Kirsten Coombs – A (District 4)*

Those With Average or Above Average Grades:

Cindy Vaillancourt – B (District 5)*

Tom Heffner – C (District 3)*

Those With Poor but Passing Grades:

Matt Levine – D (District 4) – R

Those Who Failed:

Christina Delmont-Small – F (District 1) – R

Larry Pretlow – F (District 2) – R

Gian Alfeo – F (District 3) – R

Sezin Palmer – F (District 4) – R*

Daniel Margolis – A No-Response F (District 4)

Yun Lu – A No-Response F (District 5) – R

Saif Rehman – A No-Response F (District 5) – R

Gene Ryan – A No-Response F (District 5) – R

There appears to be a correlation between values and ideological perspectives (and their very close cousin: partisan affiliations) and HCPSS operational and communications issues.  Who knew?  Wait, many people know this.  How do we know this? Because we understand the linkage between world-views (awareness, attitudes, preferences) and public policymaking (behaviors).

My point being: if the issues discussed in CARY’s questionnaires are important to you, and you find yourself in alignment with them, then take a good look at those who earned A’s and those who received D’s and F’s. And sear that information onto your brain (figuratively of course).  Keep it in mind as you fill out your ballot.

In solidarity.

Masks in Howard County

Who knew masks would be so popular in 2020, aside from the Watchmen?

Masks, of course, come in many forms.  There are the literal ones, such as the black balaclava that I don before leaving the house.  Worn in conjunction with black fleece, sweatpants, and tennis shoes, let’s just say that I receive a great deal of attention when I walk into banks.

Then there are the figurative masks.  I have noticed in recent years, with the rise of ethno-nationalism in the US and overseas, that many of these masks have been slipping.

Turning closer to home, in our very own slice of heaven we know as “Howard County,”  many masks have been ripped off…sometimes by their owner.

We have seen Gian Alfeo, current (but not for long) candidate for the Howard County Board of Education in District Three, seen his mask removed…as has been revealed by the intrepid reporting of the Howard County Progress Report.

Further, we seen which of the other 2020 candidates for the Board of Education possess the courage to rebuke Mr. Alfeo’s sentiments, and who (at least as of this writing) lack that attribute.  The question must be asked, for those who have chosen to remain silent…why?

Why not stand with CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Howard County Muslim Council, in full-throated condemnation of Mr. Alfeo’s social media posts?  One would think that all BoE candidates would find a way to express their public outrage against the Islamophobic (and racist and misogynistic and transphobic) views expressed by Mr. Alfeo via those posts. 

Perhaps I have not yet seen those posts from Christina Delmont-Small, or Larry Pretlow, or Matt Levine, or all but one of the candidates running in District Five.*  If and when such posts are made, please let me know so I can update this post appropriately.

In the meantime, I can only assume a few more masks have slipped, exposing some genuine moral repulsiveness in our community.

*Update:  it has been brought to my attention that Cindy Vaillancourt has also posted on this topic on social media (HoCo education-centric groups, HoCo School Interest and HoCo Neighbors United).  Also, Tom Heffner reported that he posted to his BoE campaign page regarding this issue.

** Second Update:  Sezin Palmer posted a condemnation on her campaign page.

In solidarity.

Contemplations on the Board of Education Races

“Fool if you think it’s over/

It’s just begun.” – Chris Rea

Almost two fortnights since my last post. And what new madness is visited upon us?

Perhaps I shall become an apiarist.  The world could use a new breed of bee specifically designed to handle murder hornets.  Two words: Ninja Bumblebees.  The body type of Jack Black combined with the silent lethality of Carlos the Jackal.  It’s a million-dollar idea.  Kindly contact me at my Hotmail address to learn more about investment opportunities.

The commentariat has been a reliable disappointment throughout multiple tragedies.  Candace Owens has apparently decided that acting out some form of public raceplay would be good for her “career.”  Trump manages to find new levels of unhinged and many Democrats are apparently trying to run out the clock when its only in early in the third quarter.  So many amateurs. 

I have been asked for my thoughts on the Board of Education races.  And how can I deny such requests?  Especially when the louder voices are to be found in groups like HoCo Neighbors United (what a sense of humour Mr. Keller possesses).  Then of course you have entities such as Ethical People for the Ethical Treatment of Ethical Ethics and their Integrity Ballot.  I am fairly certain their candidate questionnaires contains the query, “Do we hang out socially? Yes/No/Maybe”. But I jest.  Actually not really, but it takes off the edge.    

Yet, there are newcomers on the scene…and, as a Vicar of the Church of the Latter-Day Dude (Reformed), I thank God for those who are engaging in the heavy lifting for the cause.  Here I am thinking about Howard County Progress Report.  The author of that blog is crafting some scintillating, and sometimes devastating, exposes.  To her I say, “I like your style.”

Where was I?  Yes, thoughts on the BoE.  As I wrote about in a pre-COVID post, I am no longer in the endorsement game.  At least not formally. I think the trope worked for an election cycle, perhaps two, but it seems oddly stuffy and old-hat.  Being a relic, one would think that would be an excellent fit for me, but I don’t know if it’s good for the Movement. 

However.

I will tell you who I am (or would be) voting for in each of the five districts.  If you want to consider that an endorsement and run with it, then by all means take those balls and apply them directly and firmly to the wall.  By the way, it’s an aviation phrase you dirty-minded person.  You think a man of the cloth would curse?!  Perish the thought.  Say and pass five Hail Marys.

District One:  Matthew Molyett.  With only two candidates running, he is guaranteed a spot on the General Election ballot.  He is up against the well-funded Christina Delmont-Small.  The incumbent deserves to lose and lose badly in what has been, in recent history, a swing district.  If her political views and rancid affiliations were better known, she would already be an underdog to Mr. Molyett.  He deserves our support.

District Two: Antonia Barkley Watts.  I didn’t know her that well until the past few months.  With her impressive education credentials, I think she would be an exceptional member of the Board.  Also, I don’t like punching down but sometimes you need to stop someone’s career before it gets started.  That is why “La Pret” a semi-perennial candidate and constant gadfly must be defeated, preferably in the primary and by a wide margin.

District  Three: I am going with Jolene Mosley.  Tom Heffner, who was also on the show I co-host from time to time, Forward Maryland, seems like a decent chap with some interesting ideas on resilience.  I had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Mosley at a candidate forum that was co-hosted by the aforementioned podcast…and I walked away with a very favorable impression. 

District Four:  Jen Mallo.  I think the HoCo cognoscenti, which would be YOU, Dear Reader, know that I support Ms. Mallo.  Beyond the attribute of toughness and her sharp mind, I think she is the candidate best positioned to keep the Fightin’ Fourth out of Matt Levine’s guns-in-schools lovin’ mitts.  Should it come to it, head-to-head, I believe Mallo defeats Ms. Palmer too.     

District Five:  No comment.  Do I have a favorite? Yes.  Would it help them if I stated my preference?  My West HoCo associate, Clive Hammerjets, chortled a hearty “Noooooo.”  So I will say nothing more at present.

So there you have it. 

In solidarity.

Choices

“’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves

      Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:

All mimsy were the borogoves,

      And the mome raths outgrabe.” – Lewis Carroll (from the Jabberwocky)

So much nonsense afflicts the world these days.  Might as well address some of it head-on.

I know it is de rigueur for people to say how much local elections matter.  That said, a councilperson will not send me or my loved ones into combat; nor will a Columbia village board “election” have a significant impact on my pocketbook. Neither will have a profound impact on the political zeitgeist in which we are all, apparently, held captive…at least until we manage to break the doors down.

Nationally, I deem it likely that Howie Hawkins is a swell ‘fella. And you have to admire Jerry Segal’s decision to name his nascent grouping the Bread and Roses Party.  That said, the times are too serious and the presumptive GOP nominee too menacing for the Left to play the “let’s make the ideal the bitter enemy of the good-enough.”  Biden is not perfect, but any rational left-of-center voter needs to gently place their figurative or literal patchouli oil down and cast their ballot for “Uncle Joe.”  Yes, I am speaking to my dear comrades on this one. Remember, it’s not about you, or me, it’s us…and, pardon the grammatical turn, we need Biden to win in 2020 so we can create an environment more favorable for our candidates in 2022 and beyond…

In Howard County, I remain pleased that my Jen Mallo for HoCo Board of Education sign has endured the storm winds.  Tough, resilient, and unbreakable, am I talking about the sign or candidate?  You decide.

Finally, I urge all of my Oakland Mills readers to take a good look at what is happening with their village election.  I strongly encourage my friends to the east to vote for both Kennedys (Lena for Columbia Council Representative and Ian for the Village Board) and against Larry Pretlow (a current Board member, a former Democrat who ran for the state legislature in the spring of 2018 before backing Republican office-seekers in the fall, and a semi-announced candidate for the County Council for 2022).  The Columbia Association Board and the Oakland Mills Village Board are, essentially, civic advocacy groups.  This means you want people who think first about the greater public good and not those who have self-aggrandizing tendencies or their own narrow (and shifting) personal self-interests.  

So, for those mailing in their ballots, please remember:

Vote FOR the two Kennedys.  Do NOT vote for Pretlow.

It's time to move past the nonsense.

In solidarity.