Linda Jenkins and Preston Bluff

Many Birthdays in Chicago

March 14 the Chicago Jenkinses celebrated Juniper's first birthday, Maren's 41st, and Sophia's 8th. I spent five days on Sunnyside Ave. playing with the kids, working in the yard, hanging out with the family. Photos can be seen in the albums in this blog's left column: ChicagoMarch09.

MY BRUSH WITH BLAGOJEVICH

True story. Late summer/early fall 2002, I got an upfront and very personal glimpse of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's quid pro quo political personality. Thinking (wrongly) I was someone with money to help his gubernatorial bid, he made a play for same (nonexistent) money.

Let me set the scene. We were at a private dinner party in Southern California thrown for him by U.S. Representative Loretta Sanchez. She and Blagojevich (and her sister Linda) were House colleagues. Why she threw the party I don't know, except they probably were engaging in some sort of you-help-me-I-help-you, which is perfectly legitimate and ordinary. (For the record, I attended several Sanchez events and never witnessed any unethical behavior by either sister.) I was there as the guest of my boss, a wealthy doctor who was wooing politicians for funds to benefit his extremely deserving private HIV research laboratory.

Making the rounds of attendees during the pre-dinner cocktail hour, Blagojevich reached me. He didn't know who had money and who didn't, so he approached everyone as if we might lay his golden eggs. We engaged in typical party chitchat. I had a few cards to play: He'd attended Northwestern and I had taught there, I had lived in Illinois for fourteen years and my son still lived there, he's Serbian-American and I had been to Serbia a couple of times, and - probably the kicker - my son was a champion Chicago darts player who once played for a team sponsored by a Chicago Serbian.

Blagojevich leaned close and asked, "Is there anything I can do for your son?" He gave that question just the right intonation and shading to signal he meant could he find a job for my son - or, who knows, perhaps something shadier - if I helped him become governor.

I replied that he could help Chicago maintain a supply of affordable homes for the middle-class, the folks who worked in the city but were getting priced out of buying houses there. Chicago, I maintained, was going the way of Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. (Also for the record, even if I had money I wouldn't have used it to play his smarmy game.)

Rearing back, Blagojevich looked at me like I was crazy. What - did I really expect him to follow through on his promise to be a populist Democratic governor who gave a damn about ordinary people like, oh, maybe his own parents? He quickly turned from me to look for another prey.

Later he spoke earnestly to our twenty or so dinnermates about the era of reform he would bring to Illinois. I almost believed him, in spite of his ridiculous hair. He seemed to fashion himself a new JFK. I wondered if a Los Angeles stylist might take a whack at that hair helmet and give him a better first impression.

That night I considered a Blagojevich a typical politician with some promise. Apparently the people of Illinois believed the same when they elected him Governor. Who could have imagined what a demented monster he would become?

Well, maybe the hair was the tip off we ignored; clearly he lived in an alternate reality if he thought he had good hair. But if he was so lacking in political smarts that he would blatantly offer a payoff to someone like me, he was a disaster waiting to happen.

Chicago and Back - October 08

For most of the first two weeks of October I wound my way up to the Chicago area and back, visiting friends Charlotte and Daniel in southern Illinois before staying a week with Rob and Maren's family in Brookfield, then stopping through Weir to see Irene Jenkins (and Dave and Becky and Davey and grandkids), and finally having an all-too brief reunion in Arkansas with Janie and Lyndsy Jenkins (and finally meeting Janie's husband Tony).

Charlotte Peters and Daniel Ward own a sprawling 100 acres near Pomona, IL, where they've built a thriving landscape ornament business and are nourishing the property with beautiful additions that protect the wilderness and the land. (I've known them since we lived in Evanston in the 1980s and have watched Longshadow Gardens evolve over the years, each phase more beautiful than before.)
The first night we celebrated our reunion with champagne from the round wooden bench on top of their soaring circular storage shed - surrounded by the great circle of earth, sky, and sunset.

I stayed in the Airstream "Bambi" next to their pond.
Late that night from a bench on the Bambi patio I watched the stars in a sky more spangled than I've seen since, when? 35 years ago on Mt. Shasta? Where Charlotte recently scattered the ashes of her son Alex? Trust Charlotte to create beauty in this world of suffering.

After a morning of hiking and photography and coffee and more visiting, I was off to Brookfield to see my kinder. See Longshadow08 in the Photo Albums in the left column.

My son Rob, his wife Maren, and their children Michael James (26 months) and Juniper Ruby (7 months) live in Brookfield, IL, a sweet village just west of Chicago. They can enjoy a quiet life with starry skies next to the very big zoo - and they have the Big City close by. The children are, needless to say, beautiful and bright and fun and adorable and - like their parents - as nearly perfect as humans can be. Such a loving, playful family!

The five of us took the train (4 blocks from them) into Chicago on Saturday to go up into the Sears Tower on a day perfectly clear for viewing. Otherwise we played and worked. Maren's mother Donna stayed for a couple of nights while Maren went to a conference in New York; Donna and I alternated child care and house/yard work, thankful as always for the loving and competent presence of nanny Aggie. See Chicago-Oct.08 in the Photo Albums in the left column.

Finally it was time to leave. I drove south, hoping to make it to Weir, Kansas, in one day but becoming too exhausted to make it past Marshfield, IL. A good night's rest (and hot bath and hair wash!), then on to Weir the next day. I enjoyed a brief visit with Irene Jenkins, who recently was in the hospital but now is in the tender care of her son Dave and his wife Becky. Dave's son Davey stopped by with his daughter Jessie and a slew of other grandkids. I appreciate the clan's inclusion of me after all the years - they're wonderful people and Weir's green calm always soothes me.

That afternoon I headed for Holiday Island, Arkansas, just west of Eureka Springs, to see John Jenkins' sister Janie and (finally!) meet her husband Tony. I hadn't seen Jane since I left for Los Angeles in 1989; that fall I celebrated Halloween in Weir and Arma with her and Barbara another-ex-Jenkins (wearing silly wigs and having way too much fun). As a plus, Glen and Bev Jenkins' daughter Lyndsy had just driven up to Arkansas to live with Jane and Tony; I don't think I had seen her since she was a toddler. I can report that she's lovely and fun and on her way to good fortune. We spent that evening in Jane and Tony's wooded retreat, chewing over politics, lamenting Bush/McCain/Palin, and hoping for Obama.

The next day, after visiting Tony and Jane's vet clinic in Eureka Springs, the femme trio enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Oasis Cafe (clearly the Place to Be and Best Food in Town).

Alas, I had to be On the Road Again. Many hours later I pulled into ye olde abode on Granite Shoals. Mother was fine, as was cat Shanghai and Aunt Louise. Gas for the entire adventure in my Prius cost approximately $150. Tip: When possible, buy gas in Missouri (possibly the cheapest in the country, maybe not the cleanest). And so endeth this tale.

South Texas Sojourn

August 2-4 I drove my new Prius - Mother aboard - into South Texas (average 40+ mpg and it's getting better!), travelling as much as possible on country highways. We stayed at the Inn of the Hills in Kerrville to meet with friends from way back and attend a family party on Sunday. On Monday we took care of family business in San Antonio.

Joanne Story, her daughter Jane Story Looke, and Jane's children Joanne (3) and Elijah (6) made a long trek from San Antonio to spend a few hours with us in Kerrville Sunday noon. Pictures from that visit are in the Storys808 album (see left column, and I truly hope there will be more re-uniting with these wonderful people in the not too distant future.

Sunday afternoon my cousin Mary Beth Walsh Bauer and her husband Steve threw a bash for their fabulous son Lance, who is about to enter A&M.
We gathered with their friends and families along a private stretch of Johnson Creek, near Ingram (where the Bauers own a couple of feed stores) and not far from Mary Beth and Steve's ranch in Harper. Clear water, a nice breeze, plenty of shade, an ole swimming hole for the kids (replete with rope swing), and tables groaning with delicious BBQ. Behind us burbled a freshwater spring gushing from under white cliff walls. We could discern pioneer wagon ruts through the shallow creek water that suggested tales of folks using the creek bed as their highway once upon a time.
And this had to be a favorite haunt of Indians, so beautifully situated and fortified, such clean water, and so sweet the air.

Photos from the Bauer bash are in the Bauer808 album in the left column.

Additional photos of the Johnson Creek setting are in creekscape in the left column.

On Monday Mother and I drove to Porter Loring Mortuary in San Antonio to arrange for a headstone for her grandmother, Eula Presley Lewis Crowson.
Not long ago we learned she was buried in Roselawn Cemetery there (now San Fernando #3) at the beginning of 1930 without a headstone, after suffering a stroke while hospitalized in San Antonio (she lived in El Paso). Mother shares her first name - Eula. It was a good way to pay tribute to Eula Crowson. After her first husband died, leaving her a widow with two sons and a daughter, his family (the Lewises) took the boys to live with them. She and her daughter Una (my grandmother) had little or nothing to do with them after that, which seems heartbreaking. When the headstone is finished I'll add a photo of it to the EulaCrowson album.

Photos of Eula Crowson's gravesite are in EulaCrowson in the left column.

Linda Walsh Jenkins

"Just Folks" Help Write the Democratic Party Platform

The Obama Campaign and the DNC (now merging) asked supporters to meet Saturday afternoon July 12 in house parties to discuss and make recommendations to the committee that will draft the platform prior to the convention in August.

Kim Clark (her house, Meadowbrook)
Linda Walsh Jenkins (White Lake Hills)
Dr. Woodrow Harris (chiropractor, Arlington, a national delegate)
Dozens of respondents, some sent notes

PURPOSE of a Party Platform
To guide and support candidates
To guide elected representatives
To communicate basic precepts to the public
To distinguish one party from others
To inspire voters

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Keep it simple, more about principles than specific issues and solutions
Use language that signals new ways of thinking
Use language that is easy to grasp and share with others
We want to win this election - avoid controversy that might scuttle that
See this and present it as a flexible blueprint for change
It should be an extension of what Obama stands for

SUMMARY PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS
The Democratic Party is about the following (in no particular order):
Believing that we are in a time of extraordinary challenges to re-vision the United States and make our way through invigorating transitions within the framework of our Constitution;
Believing that government serves the public by mediating, leading, inspiring, and working with people and businesses rather than mandating and imposing top down;
Believing a comprehensive national security policy is as much or more about security at home (jobs, health care, education, transportation infrastructure, shelter, public safety, clean air and water) as it is about military might abroad;
Believing that if we do not make clean air and water - and the availability of potable water - a highest priority we will not survive into the next century;
Believing in accountability and responsibility - by each citizen, by politicians, by American businesses, by American government;
Commitment to transparency in government - utilizing the internet and television as well as any other means to share with and include the public in policy discussions and expenditures, not exclude and hide;
Governing from the bottom up, with engaged citizens at the local level feeling heard and empowered;
Serving others through actions and sharing wealth in recognition of mutual interdependence and enlightened self-interest;
Balancing the budget through efficiency, innovation, and long-term vision;
Building a military to defend against 21st century threats while giving a priority to peacemaking;
Reducing the size of the national government while creating new ways of governing, new ways of relating the federal government to regions and states;
Giving struggling Americans and others suffering in the world a hand up, not a hand out;
Asserting and assisting the rights of individuals, municipalities and states to self-governance with the help rather than the heavy hand of the federal government;
Helping American businesses transform and prosper in changing times, energy challenges, and the environmental damages of global warming;
Developing new and better transportation solutions to address climate issues, reduction/elimination of gasoline use, and shifting demographics;
Being realistic, bold and inspiring as we provide global leadership to heal humanity's polluted and endangered ecosystem;
Believing in a robust and expanded middle-class;
Working to end poverty here and abroad;
Re-introducing ourselves to the world as a country of progressive transformation, with liberty and justice for all;
Defending constitutional protections and habeas corpus;
Educating all who live in our country for the 21st century to promote public safety and economic strength while recognizing that a one-size-fits-all policy such as No Child Left Behind is leaving far too many children behind, and that ultimately puts America behind its economic competitors;
Helping all who live in our country pratice healthy living to bring down medical costs through preventive methods;
Helping the sick in our country heal with access to high quality medical care that does not decimate family budgets;
Helping all who live in our country have safe shelter, clean air, and clean water;
Defining the end missions in Iraq and Afghanistan to remove our troops while defining and fulfilling our responsibilities to the people there we have wounded and displaced;
Defining the challenges posed by global radical groups who hate and target the United States and developing innovative defensive as well as proactive tactics that value human life;
Listening to and providing leadership with the global community as we all combat human rights abuses, especially to women and children;
Assisting the people of impoverished countries as they struggle for basic human amenities and dignity;
Hiring people with expertise and passion to serve in the government rather than appointing political cronies;
Creating regulatory mechanisms that enhance business, trade and financial markets for the sake of national stability and human rights;
Making any earmarks transparent and seeking an end to earmarks.

SOME SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS:
Reconstitute the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. These are interdependent and have suffered from separation.
Create a Department of Peace that re-imagines the way we look at national security and human rights, shifting from a policy of power and domination so the world sees America as a leader for human liberties and safety.
Continue the focus on defeating Al Qaeda while considering radical alternatives to warfare such as building schools and helping the struggling poor.
Decry the existence of poverty in a country of billionaires - our own as well as Mexico and others to whom we give aid.
Consider denying aid to countries with wealthy individuals and corporations that do not pay income tax.
Use different language for health care: There is sick care and health care as well as long-term care.
Sick care - When people are ill, the system should put their wellbeing first and not be foremost about profit. We should define an acceptable minimum standard for sick care that we can guarantee to all who live in this country.
Health care - Individuals should be more accountable for their own lifestyle choices and encouraged through insurance and tax incentives to take better care of themselves and to use professional resources that contribute to health (preventive medicine). Screening tests and vaccines should be available to everyone regardless of their income or insurance status.
Long-term care, for the elderly and people with special needs, does not have to be treated as sick care and could be more cost-effective.
Insurance for all three forms of medical care should be available and affordable to all, while no one kind of insurance should be mandated for the entire population. People should not be forced to pay into a government-run health care or health insurance system. Many people (like teachers and government workers) never paid into Social Security, don't receive it in retirement, and don't receive Medicare. Make choices available to all but respect individual rights.
The Democratic Party should not strong-arm people to vote a straight ticket. If the Democrats are the best candidates, we'll vote for them. Put the responsibility on the candidates, not the voters or delegates.
Raise the Social Security cap on the wealthiest 2% and stop draining Social Security. Do not privatize Social Security.
Do not open to more offshore drilling or ANWAR. Educate the public as to why these will not improve current gas and oil crises.
Promise to engage in a vast national education and debate process in 2009 regarding all our energy alternatives. The more we believe we will cut our oil habit, the less demand we will place on future supplies, which in turn can cut current costs as we transition.
End habitation of eroding and storm-ravaged coastlines and river floodplains; build for the future while restoring eco-systems.
End the politician/lobbyist revolving door.
Seek ways to encourage more citizen legislators who serve for terms of modest length rather than career politicians.
Investigate establishing bipartisan citizen boards and/or systems for determining legislators' salaries rather than allowing them to set their own.

Uniting for Change Party - June 28

Posted by Linda Walsh Jenkins, White Lake Hills Democrat

Drawn together by the Obama Campaign's call to Unite for Change, two dozen Fort Worth Democrats partied and plotted together Saturday evening June 28 at the White Lake Hills home of Mona and Mike Bailey. We heard from delegates to the recent Texas convention and shared ideas for tactics to elect Democrats from Obama and Noriega all the way "down ticket."

Black and white, gay and straight, male and female, Clinton supporters and Obama supporters, Independents, young and old and in between, we came from North Richland Hills, Arlington, southwest Fort Worth, and throughout the city's eastside. Mona set the tone by citing Howard Thurman: "To postpone living significantly in the present is a serious blunder." Texan Democrats and Independents who want to put the state, the country and the world on a progressive and just path are claiming visibility and voices.

Texas has not seen a Democratic majority in our state government since 1978. We reviewed some of the Dixiecrat/Republican history that led to this skewing. What matters now is that we change the state so that Republicans don't gerrymander redistricting in 2010 a la Tom DeLay and so we can redress some of the judge and justice appointments. We're close to gaining the majority in state legislature; Democrats might gain ten in the House and three or four in the Senate.

All agreed there is tremendous excitement now as we might see 25-30 changes in national congressional seats. Sharp young people are stepping up into leadership, which portends well for the future.

Several delegates to the state convention shared their experiences and views: Doug Forsyth (Obama, White Lake Hills, District 12), Larry Vosberg and John Cortez (Stonewall Democrats for Clinton, White Lake Hills), and Greg Strong (not sure of his candidate, Arlington, Precinct 2317). All reported some tension within the caucuses between the Obama and Clinton folks (tension I didn't sense as a volunteer in the halls), but at the same time feel there is tremendous agreement now to fight for the Democratic ticket.

The Obama supporter who was the convention's temporary chair wasn't very effective, according to Larry. When the majority of the delegates - Obamans included - selected more effective Clinton supporter Steve Lerma as the permanent chair it shocked many, including the temporary chair. That set a useful tone, though, Larry reported, by affirming everyone was there for serious business conducted in a serious bi-partisan fashion.

Coming from a third generation "grassroots/farmer/populist" Democratic background, Doug hasn't been politically active since his college days, when he spoke out for Nixon's impeachment. He told us that at first the Obama folks weren't well organized, while the Clinton delegates were; some Obama campaign reps stepped in to help the Obamans vote in a bloc and get their act together. However, because Obama had "won" the primary just days before, the Obamans didn't want to overwhelm the Clintonites with heavy bloc voting. For their delegate to the national convention they elected an elderly white man who asked to be allowed to cast an electoral vote for a Democrat before he dies.

The last state convention Greg attended was in 1972, and even though he comes from a family of Democratic politicians (dad was a state senator, granddad was a pol) he hasn't supported a Democrat since the first time he voted. But "change" absolutely must occur, he believes, and Obama is bringing out moderates, Republicans, and Independents who share that view. Greg was impressed by Chelsea Clinton's message that since Texas was where Hillary began her political life (registering voters in near the southern border), it should be the first state she asked to unite for Obama. After Chelsea's speech, he said, Obama and Clinton supporters came to the podium in pairs, people stood and held hands, and all committed to turning Texas blue.

Larry and John told us that all the state candidates paid their respects to the Stonewall Democrats - who work extremely hard for the party. Larry supported Hillary because she has worked for the Human Rights Campaign (the gay rights lobby). Now that campaign is calling on its members to dedicate themselves to electing Obama - and the full Democratic ticket. Noriega made a strong impression on the Stonewalls; he vows to get rid of "don't ask, don't tell."

While Larry describes himself as a Yellow Dog Democrat, his partner John is more Blue Dog - a fiscal conservative and social liberal. He believes Obama and Noriega can and must appeal to mainstream Democrats.

Kim Clark (Meadowbrook) spoke on behalf of Independents who are rejuvenated by the possibility of a new government that's about working together. She recalled hearing her insurance agent father refer to Washington politicians as "puppets" manipulated by big business interests. The number of registered Independents has grown, and many young people find that the best way to self-identify as they search for ways to address stale values.

After the reports we opened to general discussion, moderated by Mona. I can offer only a few slices here, but it was a rich repast we all want to continue. She asked if Hillary supporters wanted to say anything, observing that we're still quite close to the suspension of the dynamic Clinton campaign. The Clinton supporters said they are committed to the party and to change, so now they're committed to Obama.

Lorene, Larraine, Linda, Gwen, Mike, Susan, John, and others whose names (I apologize) I didn't keep track of shared observations and tactics. All agreed on the importance of getting out the vote, registering people, helping people with transportation to the polls. Over 2.8 million Democrats voted in the recent primary; all agreed that many more will come out now that they know there is a real possibility for Demcratic victory.

Gwen cautioned us not to assume that people in our immediate circle/family share our views. We need to talk with everyone we know and encourage those who are undecided to get on the Democratic bandwagon.

Susan, one of the younger attendees, goes by the rule, "If you don't vote you can't bitch." A public school science teacher fed up with the many problems in education, she pointed out that "Obama doesn't talk down to my generation."

We have to fight the "lie" some promulgate that Republicans and Democrats are all the same, John urged us. Larraine agreed - she worked in the federal government for thirty plus years and saw a definite difference depending on which party was in control. And yet, Mike cautioned - and we nodded approval - we must have checks and balances. We don't want an arrogant party that railroads diverse views and props up corruption.

How do we help to get out the vote? Greg suggested we volunteer to local campaigns - they'll know how to put us to work. Anyone can access the county party website for contact and candidate information. Mid-Cities Democrats has some yard signs and bumper stickers; more should be available after the national convention. We might put cordial flyers on neighbors' doors, urging them to vote and suggesting we're available to talk about Democratic candidates if they're undecided.

I stressed Obama's community organizing experience as one of his strong cards: Not only does this give him knowledge of urban America we never have had in a President, but it tells us he really knows how to bring people together across ideologies and backgrounds, from the ordinary citizen to the fat cat, putting petty politics aside to help people help themselves.

Too many people with progressive mainstream values (Democrat, Independent and Republican) have become so disenchanted with government and exhausted by the current administrations (in Washington and in Austin). This year's campaign is giving people hope, a reason to believe that voting matters, that participating matters, that "living significantly" is possible and necessary.

A good time was had by all. It's much more fun to gather for a party instead of just a "meeting," so we look forward to more social occasions. Contact me through a comment to this column if you want to be on the invitation list.

Now if we can just get Barack and Michelle to visit us . . . .

See Pictures from the 08 Texas State Democratic Convention

See dozens of photos from the 2008 Texas State Democratic Convention, June 5-7 in Austin:

http://lindawalshjenkins.typepad.com/photos/txdem_convention08/index.html

Texas State Democratic Convention

June 9 I posted two blogs (with loads of pictures) about the Texas Democratic Party Convention (June 5-7) on the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s online opinion site. Scroll down or search archives to More Views (an addendum, posted second) and Hats and Bats (the more comprehensive blog, posted first):
http://startelegrameditwriters.typepad.com/donkeytales08

Also, you can find it by Googling "DonkeyTales08"

See my Photo Albums to the left for TX 08 Convention beginning June 11 for a visual journey through the convention.

State Convention Countdown - Volunteer Update

Linda Walsh Jenkins - Fort Worth eastsider, Obama supporter and Precinct 1277 delegate to the county convention

Karen Vlach (Trophy Club) and I just received notice that we've been accepted as volunteers to the state convention in Austin the weekend of June 6. Although the folks in the office there had earlier told me it was okay if we didn't arrive until Friday noon - now they want us there for a training session Thursday night. Mad scramble to find a room was successful. I'll take a camera and hope to have wireless connection to blog on site.

We'll try to report on the Obama-Clinton conflict without too much bias (cain't promise none). By that weekend Obama should have assembled enough delegates to have the nomination, so sparks may fly from angry Hillary supporters. As I write this the party is handling delegate challenges, so we'll see who manages to scoot ahead in Texas (Obama now leads by 5). There'll be some drama - that's for sure.

I'm interested in how the Texas Democrats are defining us relative to the state's Republicans. This year Rick Noriega will take on Jon Cornyn (John?), and it looks like Noriega might have a real shot at it. I heard him speak a couple of years ago and now want to see how he handles the crowd and the spotlight. If Hispanics, African-American and moderate to semi-progressive Texans band together, we can swing the state from the grip of the conservative right. Even if Kay Bailey Hutchinson and Kay Granger stay in office, a more flexible and populist (oh go ahead and say liberal) state psyche could help them loosen up a bit. I think Granger was a Democrat before she realized she'd get nowhere in Texas that way.

This Clinton/Obama fever might pop by the middle of next week. That should let us get on with figuring out what Democrats really stand for vis a vis Republicans and how Texas Democrats are going to fight for the blue. I'm holding back on giving more money, even to Obama, until I see how the national party handles the Clintons. I think Obama can raise tons of money as the nominee and he's still sitting pretty (compared to her debt). He has been the better campaign manager of the two, hands down. Wouldn't we like that quality in a President?

Wagons ho to Austin next week!

Talking is not Negotiating is not Appeasing

Surely John McCain and George Bush know that talking to Iran is not negotiating with Iran, and that negotiating is not necessarily appeasement. They're counting on their American audience not to know the difference.

I'm disappointed that Obama isn't drawing the distinctions, but maybe he'll do that in debate with McCain. The American electorate seems sorely in need of some educating and I look forward to Obama's providing leadership that helps the public understand international diplomacy rather than merely salivate at militaristic blather.

Yesterday Chris Matthews caught some fool (I missed his name - Kevin Something?) who was playing attack dog for Bush/McCain by furthering the talking equals appeasing illusion. Kevin repeated Bush's reference to appeasing Hitler. Matthews prodded the man to explain exactly what Neville Chamberlain did that appeased Hitler - and Kevin finally had to deflate his cloud of loud words to admit he didn't know. Chamberlain appeased not by merely talking but by offering a piece of Czechoslovakia if Hitler would stop. Big difference - talk, Czechoslovakia.

Is it possible that Bush really doesn't know the difference? Surely McCain does. In debate, I suspect/hope Obama is going to push McCain to the wall on this matter. Will the general public notice or care? Will the Jewish voters and campaign supporters Bush clearly was playing to notice or care?

Linda Walsh Jenkins, an Obama precinct delegate from Fort Worth's eastside