CRIE DE COEUR

“I’m sorry, Jim, I’m gonna stop the subsidy to PBS… I like PBS. I love Big Bird. I actually like you, too," went Romney's vow.

Since then, Big Bird started a Twitter account, journalists calculated exactly how much of the federal budget PBS actually uses (.012 percent), and our favorite thing of all, this happened:

 

Poster from Dear World on Facebook.

Thanks to Ann V for the link to Huff Post. 

UPDATE: I corrected the percentage of the federal budget that subsidizes PBS.  

BIG BIRD MAY YET DO ROMNEY IN

Romney told moderator Jim Lehrer, “I’m sorry Jim. I’m gonna stop the subsidy to PBS. I’m gonna stop other things. I like PBS, I like Big Bird, I actually like you too.”

A collective stab pierced the heart of Generation X who grew up with Big Bird, Bert and Ernie and Oscar the Grouch as their best friends. I immediately thought, “Oh no, Big Bird will be unemployed if Romney wins.” I wasn’t alone.

Not only Generation X.  Think of the children!   Of course, children can't vote, but at least some parents and grandparents of whatever generation may remember Romney's threat to Big Bird when they head out to vote.  And it's not only "Sesame Street" and other programs for children that will be affected by Romney's elimination of the subsidy.   A good many grown-ups of voting age watch PBS, too.

I COULD NOT RESIST

From Bipartisan Report.

STORY OF THE DAY - WISH LIST

I wish you could have been there for the sun & the
rain & the long, hard hills. For the sound of a
thousand conversations scattered along the road. For
the people laughing & crying & remembering at the 
end. But, mainly, I wish you could have been there.

From StoryPeople.

DID MITT HAVE A CHEAT SHEET?

"No props, notes, charts, diagrams or other writings can be used by the candidates; however, they can take notes on the type of paper of their choosing.The candidates cannot ask each other direct questions, but can ask rhetorical questions.The candidates cannot address each other with proposed pledges.Each candidate can use his own makeup artist.No candidate is allowed to use risers or any other device to make them look taller.The Coin Toss: At least 72 hours before the first debate, there will be a coin toss on the order of questioning and closing arguments."

But we all know that rules don't apply to Mitt.  If Bush can get away with a little radio receiver on his back, what's a little cheat sheet in comparison?

Link to video from CBS Chicago.

UPDATE: The Romney campaign says the object was a handkerchief, and another video shows that may indeed be true.   Below is a screenshot from the video.

I offer my apology.

SPIN THIS, MITT ROMNEY

The nation's unemployment rate dropped to the lowest it has been in almost four years in September, giving President Barack Obama a potential upbeat talking point as the presidential race heads into the final innings.


The Labor Department reported Friday that the unemployment rate fell to 7.8 percent in September, a decline of 0.3 percentage point and the lowest since January 2009. The government said the economy created 114,000 jobs, about as expected, and generated 86,000 more jobs in July and August than first estimated.

The unemployment rate speaks louder than Romney's gloom and doom.  The jobs numbers are not great, but they are heading in the right direction. I have no doubt the Republicans will attempt to spin the good news of the drop in the unemployment rate into bad news, but - Hey! - it's campaign season.   

FROM BISHOP MARC ANDRUS' BLOG

My experience at the installation of Archbishop Cordileone

A post to clarify my experience at the installation of Archbishop Cordileone at St. Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco.

I was dropped off at the cathedral at 1:30PM by my assistant. After making my way around protestors and showing my invitation to security guards, I was in the lower level area to which I was directed by 1:40.

The instructions the Archdiocese had given my assistant were that I should be at St. Mary's by 1:45. The service was scheduled to begin at 2.

I identified myself to an assistant to the archbishop, who spoke to someone through a headset, saying, "Bishop Andrus is here."

I saw the Greek Metropolitan, a good colleague of mine, who was in the same room with me, several Greek Orthodox priests, archdiocesan employees and security guards. I greeted the metropolitan and we spoke briefly.

An archdiocesan employee attempted to escort me upstairs with the Greek Orthodox group, but was stopped from doing so by the employee to whom I had first identified myself. This person, who appeared to be in a superior role, instructed another employee to stand with me.

At this point no other guests remained in the downstairs area. The employee and I chatted while waiting. I began to wonder about the time holdup. I checked my phone; it was 1:50PM. I asked the employee standing with me if the service indeed started at 2, which she affirmed.

At 2PM, when the service was to begin, I said to the employee, "I think I understand, and feel I should leave." Her response was, "Thank you for being understanding." I quietly walked out the door. No one attempted to stop me. No attempt was ever made to explain the delay or any process for seating. I arrived early, before the time given my assistant, and waited to leave until after the service had begun.

My intention for attending the installation was to honor our ecumenical and interfaith relations in the Bay Area.

Bishop Marc's blog.

H/T to John Chilton at The Lead for the link.

INVITED GUEST NOT WELCOME

The Rt. Rev. Marc Andrus, Episcopal Bishop of California and an invited guest for the installation of Archbishop-designate Salvatore Cordileone, was not allowed to be seated.  He was escorted to a basement room at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral and detained by an usher until the time the service began, whereupon Bishop Andrus left the cathedral. More information will be forthcoming as it is available.

Unbelievable.  And on the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, the saint who welcomed all and from whom the the diocese takes its name.  What possible reason will Archbishop Cordileone give for this egregious breach of hospitality and lack of grace?  I can't think of any.  What an embarrassing start to his term as archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco. 

QUICK WORDS ON THE DEBATE

Last night, Obama seemed disengaged to the point that I wondered if he really wants four more years. One can take cool only so far without seeming to be out of the game.

On the other hand, Romney was repellant. He reminded me of a high-pressure salesman who knows his product is a piece of junk but is determined to close the sale.

I'm tired of people blaming doddering, old Lehrer for Obama's poor performance. Sure, Lehrer didn't do his job as moderator, but Romney took advantage, while Obama continued to look to Lehrer for help. Dude!

And OMG, if Tweety and Ed are going to have public breakdowns on NBCNews, they should get off the air.

Maybe my last words on the debate, maybe not.  Romney lied a lot.

FEAST OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace gladly to renounce the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfect joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

St Francis stands in the garden and watches over Diana on the lawn.  Our dog needs watching because she is old, deaf, and nearly blind.  For all that, when we take our daily walk, she drags me along at a fast pace, when she's not stopping to investigate the many intriguing smells in the neighborhood.

Note: The azaleas are not now in bloom.  The picture of St Francis was taken earlier.