Mike Sager

Invoking Hitler in the Debate on Healthcare

2009-08-19T01:07:36Z

In 2005, during the Virginia Gubernatorial election that ultimately led to Governor Kaine's victory, Republican challenger Jerry Kilgore ran an attack ad that said that Governor Kaine's opposition to the death penalty would mean that he would not have executed Adolf Hitler. This ad was designed to shock, and turn around a campaign that had been floundering. Instead, the use of Nazi imagery for something like an election for a state governor sealed Kaine's victory - the brutal murder of millions of people was not an acceptable comparison for a legitimate policy disagreement.

Today, Kilgore's ad seems rather...quaint.

Repeatedly for the last couple of months we've seen more and more referencing to the ultimate evil creeping into the discourse without being challenged. Fringe groups have been carrying posters of the President of the United States with a Hitler mustache, and comparisons of the goal of providing health care to people in this country to the Holocaust.

Today - I saw what I will describe as quite possibly the most offensive instance of this discourse. This is from a town hall on healthcare today in Nevada. (h/t Amanda Terkel and David Waldman)

An Israeli emigrate living in the United States speaks about the health coverage citizens in Israel receive, and ties it back to the IDF in what I would call a very Israeli fashion. Midway through his explanation of the system in Israeli, and discussing some wider aspects of the culture - a woman shouts out "HEIL HITLER".

The woman shouting "Heil Hitler" was wearing a t-shirt that had the emblem of the Israeli Defense Force.

For ANYONE to use a Hitler comparison in a debate on US policy, is appalling. To shout "HEIL HITLER" while wearing emblems of the state of Israel is unconscionable.

Every time someone uses the imagery of the Nazis and the Holocaust to score cheap political points, it does nothing for the conversation and chips away at the memory of those brutally murdered. Every time someone compares health care reform to the Holocaust, they are destroying the memory of those innocent lives taken because of an irrational hate.

It was wrong when liberals compared George W. Bush to Hitler, and it's just as wrong when conservatives compare Barack Obama. And it has NO place in our discourse.

I believe that all of my direct family got out of Europe before the Shoah, but that doesn't mean I haven't seen family trees where entire branches - many names - stop with the word "Hitler" underneath. I have cried at Yad Vashem, and I refuse to let the memories of those that were murdered be destroyed by ignorance, and false equivalence. Those ignorant enough to use such imagery do not understand the words they are saying.

You can immediately see the anger rise in the eyes of the Israeli gentleman on the video - and his shouts of "SHAME ON YOU". I'm not sure that if I were in a similar situation that I would have been as civil as that man. But his response is right.

To those who would invoke the death of millions of people to score a political point - SHAME ON YOU.

Shame on You.

Boston

2009-03-09T06:45:00Z

I just accepted a new job up in Boston. It's a little bit surreal that I went for it, especially considering how much I liked my old job. But ultimately, I have dreamed of living in Boston for many years, and this has given me the opportunity to actually do it while staying within my chosen career path. There have been several times in my life where I've picked up and moved to another city - I honestly didn't think I'd be doing that for a while again. And yet - here's my chance to live in a place I love... I couldn't say no.

My family is from Boston originally, and I grew up a Red Sox fan since there was no team in DC. I wish to emphasize that the Sox have been in my blood my entire life - I was too young to be crushed in 1986, but I balled in 2003 when Aaron Fuckin' Boone hit that damn homerun off Wakefield. I understand that Boone is very personable, but I still booed him every time he can to bat when he was on the Nationals last year. Loudly. People would stare at me and not understand. I didn't care. Grrr... I was wearing my Sox hat last night, and a friend of mine from Philly accused me of being a bandwagon fan - it was a friendly jab, but I let him know in no uncertain terms that I have always lived and died with the Red Sox - and anyone who's known me a long time knows that.

As I'm wrapping up here in DC, I've been taking more pictures with my relatively recently purchased Nikon D60 - hence the photos that I've posted on this post that are completely unrelated to Boston. Just wanted to add some imagery to the entry.

So apparently new albums by ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead and National Skyline came out on my birthday, and I was COMPLETELY UNAWARE!!! I have since rectified this, and loaded them onto my iPod courtesy the Amazon Music Store. Apple's decision to charge me to remove DRM from music I've already purchased has made me decide that all of my music purchasing from this point forward is happening from Amazon. And yes, I buy my music.

So... What's Up?

2009-02-19T16:04:47Z

Yeah, I haven't written in a while. The insanity of the campaign kinda kept me from writing over the course of the last 8 months.

SO...how are you?

Um - what's new with me? I got a new camera! Nikon D60!!! Worked on electing a President. Y'know, fun stuff.

So I'm sure I'll have more to say soon. But for the moment, I'll fill space with awesome pictures I took.

Back from New York, Muxtape, The Nerd Handbook

2008-04-21T16:39:42Z

I'm back from NYC - it was a very nice break. Despite the bus getting delayed due to Pope-related traffic.

I had less of an agenda for the final day I was there - which led to a quick stop at the New York Transit Museum, listening to Beatles songs on my iPod at Strawberry Fields, people watching in Union Square, and drinks with a bunch of my friends from the Israel excursion (I've missed you guys so much!)

A friend of mine pointed me to a site called Muxtape - where you can upload MP3s to make an online mix tape of sorts. Ah, the lost art of the Mix Tape. So I went ahead and posted a Muxtape at msager.muxtape.com.

Finally, many of you still talk about Mike's Rules for Dating Nice Dudes (yet nobody comments here - only in Facebook...). My friend Lola pointed me to another blog post that goes along well with the dating guidelines - The Nerd Handbook from Rands in Reprose.

Shea, MoMA, and Other New York Things

2008-04-18T03:09:17Z

I checked out Shea Stadium last night, for me the first & only time (unless I come back in the summer which I would say is fairly unlikely due to work load). I can see why the Mets want a new park, though I will observe that there were next to no concession lines, and the team store was stocked full of goodies. Lerners, please take note.

Tonight was Yankees versus Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. I knew I was entering hostile territory, but I did not recognize just how much every stereotype Yankees fans have are true. They are obnoxious, rude, self-important, and needlessly petty. The Mets fans I met at Shea were polite, funny, knowledgeable about baseball, and very good spirited. Sure they made comments about my Nats jersey, but they were kind-hearted. The Yankees fans, on the other hand, were just rude and crass. While it may be true there is not the same level of rivalry between the two teams, I legitimately felt threatened by the Yankees fans for where my Sox jersey while I felt welcome at Shea Stadium. Add in the fact that Yankee Stadium itself is old, and the lines were atrocious - and while it was still an enjoyable evening, it was far less relaxing. Without a doubt, should I ever move to New York - the Mets will be my team. In fact, I will cheer for them gladly should they be playing teams that aren't the Red Sox or the Nationals. I would have pictures, but Flickr is being temperamental.

On the non baseball front, I had lunch today with an old friend from the Kerry campaign - which was absolutely delightful. We then went up to the MoMA, which was quite fun. My favorite modern art museum remains the Tate Modern in London, but the MoMA has a great selection of Rothkos, Duschamps, Picassos, and Pollocks - how can one argue with that?

I also finally went to the Empire State Building - what I thought would be a quick trip up to the top. Sadly, they have you wind through line after line. The observation deck itself was lovely, with great views of NYC. But it was hardly work the headache involved with getting there. Do I REALLY have to go through the damn gift shop just to get to the exit elevators?

I do love the fact that I have been asked for directions while I'm here - I blend in fairly well with the locals, it would seem. And I feel that I have mastered the New York City Subway - a much more difficult task than mastering the Washington Metro. But the Metro is definitely grander, and cleaner. But would I trade that for some Express tracks? Without a doubt.

There's a HBO store on 6th Avenue in Midtown. I dropped in, and sure enough - they had John Adams merch. After my triumphant 5 second performance in the film, I felt I had to pick up a mug. I almost bought a Frak/Battlestar Galactica mug at the NBC store - but I thought that was sillier.

NYC Bound

2008-04-16T14:26:22Z

I know, I know - I haven't been updating much. Leaving all ten of you readers vaguely missing something...

I'm heading up to New York for a short vacation - needed to get away to do something relaxing. So I figure that I'd go to Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium while I still had a chance, and both the Nationals and the Red Sox are in the city. Tonight is Mets versus Nationals - should be a fun game. I'm sure I'll be one of the few wearing a Nationals jersey while I'm there. Tomorrow is the Sox game - hopefully I won't get beat up for wearing my Red Sox jersey.

This is my first try at the inter-city buses - thus far I'm fairly impressed - it's comfortable, and we seem to be making decent time. And there's electrical outlets and wifi (obviously). Now if Amtrak could just begin offering interwub on their trains...

I'll try to remember to post some more from the city.

A Completely Unscientific Analysis of the Nationals Courtesy MLB 2k8

2008-03-06T15:08:47Z

Last night I purchased Major League Baseball 2k8 for my PS2 - probably one of the last games I acquire before upgrading to a next gen console sometime this year - I'm leaning XBox this moment as 1. I am a Microsoft Shareholder, and 2. GTA IV (I know the PS3 will also have GTA IV, but it's WAY too expensive). However, it's also hard for me to dismiss getting a Wii because it's...well...just plain fun. But I digress - got 2k8 and was ready to checkout the Nats and Nationals Park.

I picked MLB 2k8 over The Show for two reasons - one, my copy of 06 The Show's franchise mode was buggy - contracts wouldn't stick, and there was general weirdness. But more importantly, Pitchfork was involved with picking the music for 2k8 - as any licensed hipster knows, one cannot deny anything with Pitchfork's stamp of approval.

I played 1 full game last night, and had started one before I stopped because I realized I had yet to eat dinner.

The first game, which only lasted 3 innings, contained one very ominous sign - Nick Johnson hit a slap single, and was immediately pulled from the game for spraining his ankle. Doh! As hunger called, I shut off the game and cooked some of my delicious bounty procured earlier in the evening from Trader Joe's.

Next, the actual full game. First impression, Patterson looked pretty good - only gave up one run through 6, but he started to run out of gas. Since it was a one run game, I kept Rauch and Cordero in the pen and put in Wagner - bad move. Wagner proceeded to load the bases. Brought in Rivera, who proceeded to completely cough up the game. But the good news was the Nats hit two homers, both over the left field wall - Nicky J and Lo Duca. Perhaps the Nats homer drought will be over with this new park?

The Park itself didn't look great in the game, but I don't fault them as they had to program this WELL before they could actually see what the real thing looks like. I'm not at all concerned - the new stadium looks wicked pretty on the construction web cam. I can't wait for opening day (and yes, I do have a ticket for it - it pays to have friends who are season ticket holders.)

Mike's Rules for Dating Nice Dudes

2008-02-21T19:00:00Z

The other week I was hanging out with a friend I’ve known for a few years, and who is one of my two go-to girls for opposite sex relationship advice. Also known as “opposition research” (See – that was a political joke). She was lamenting how this dude she was interested in seemed to go home with another girl a previous evening, and yet she thought they’d hit it off. Apparently this gentleman is a “nice guy”, and while I usually win the August Strindberg Award, if there’s one place I can help the ladies – it’s how to bag a nice guy. And I can also help making Strindberg jokes. Why exactly is August Strindberg so damn funny?

You see, nice guys operate under a different set of rules than the rest of the male population. Most of the time, there aren’t even nice dudes available on the market as they probably met their soul mate while in college and are off being hyper-successful and living somewhere interesting. You’ve met these people before – you probably got drunk at their wedding.

Mike’s Rules for Finding & Dating Nice Dudes (by Mike, a Nice Dude)

1. When you say “no”, we take you at your word. You see, when you say “no” to a super douche bag, he interprets that as “it’s not no until she’s calling the police.” This is a big part of WHY they’re douche bags. Douche bags hear “no” as “please continue to try to fuck me. Even if I’m very explicit in what I want and do not want.” Nice dudes hear “no” as “Please discontinue your advances.” And what do we do? We respect your wishes, and move on!

2. We might initiate some physical contact, but if you do not reciprocate then we will interpret that as “no”. In the sex ed scene of Monty Python’s Meaning of Life, John Cleese asks his classroom how to start “the vaginal juices”? One child responds, “stimulate the clitoris?” John Cleese indignantly responds, “What about a kiss boy? A simple kiss?” To us, we’re not sure when to lean in for the kiss – we haven’t had a lot of practice with meeting new girls because once we click with someone, we’re not just trying to fuck them for that particular evening. So early in the process, it’s a little awkward. But we’ll put our arm around you. We’ll sit close. We will initiate some small level of physical contact, and wait for you to respond. If you do not respond, that’s not a “keep going”. That’s a “uh oh, perhaps I am making her uncomfortable.” Goto 1.

3. We are not trying to fuck with your head. We are well aware that you are trying to fuck with ours. We understand this is a game, there are rules and protocols and other inane bullshit. But then there will be that totally awesome chick that comes along and ignores those rules and is all like, “Hey! Sup? So you’re cute and like Linux, I’m cute and like Linux – let’s go out for a drink.” And you know what’s going to happen? I’m going to go out for a drink with her!

4. We don’t like to use women, but that doesn’t mean we don’t like to shtup either. No nice guy is above having a one night stand – provided it is understood what it is going into it. As nice guys, when we’re single sex can be a bit of a rarity. As a result, when the opportunity presents itself – we’re probably going to go for it, even if we’re actually interested in dating someone else. Call this a lack of confidence, call this hedging one’s bet, call this pure unadulterated no-strings attached coitus – call it whatever you want, it happens. So if you’re interested in a nice dude, and you play it all traditional and “hard to get”, and are then confused when he goes home with some other chick who clearly he only wants to bed – it’s because you weren’t forthright and he probably hasn’t gotten laid in a while.

5. If you’re not interested – say so. We’re trying to learn these ridiculous rituals that you ladies have put in place that only serve to frustrate and enrage, but we’re not doing a good job of it. From time to time we’ll have the courage to say something to someone ourselves, but we still have that scar from Middle School where we asked out the cute girl & got laughed at. There’s a reason these things are called scars.

In time, I’m sure I’ll have more thoughts to add to this discussion. But here’s a good place to start. And so you know, my friend who wasn’t sure about this before she proceeded to follow the advice above – yeah, she’s TOTALLY smitten with her new boy (as he is with her).

Kick Ass New Music - Sons & Daughters

2008-02-08T04:59:19Z

For a long time, saying Sons & Daughters to me meant the song by The Decemberists that is the reigning champ of my iTunes playcount (I'm a sucker for a round). I was checking out the new music release on Super Duper Godzilla Tuesday on iTunes and I saw this band - Sons & Daughters. I listened to the samples. The band immediately passed the "every sample on iTunes kicks ass" test. I bought the album.

Hell. Yeah.

Go buy This Gift right now.

http://www.sonsanddaughtersloveyou.com/

They're coming to Rock N' Roll Hotel in March. I already purchased my tickets.

Social Network Irony?

2008-01-30T12:57:56Z

Apparently, MySpace has a Facebook network. The world just exploded. Does Circuit City offer employees discounts at Best Buy?

Snack Foods, Fine Dining, Fun Abominations, Ideologues of Transportation, and Ironically Enjoying Music

2008-01-29T05:47:09Z

The lasting effect that Israel has had on me is a taste for Bissli. What's even more exciting is that the Potomac Yards Harris Teeter carries Bissli now! Seriously! And here I thought I would only be able to find it at Wegmans! WOOO!!!!

Fine dining is a lot of money for delicious by tiny portions. Restaurant week is a bargain??!!??

As someone who has spent years playing guitar, and harnessing their craft - I find Rock Band to be an abomination. A fantastically fun abomination.

Norman Mineta would've approved Metro to Dulles. But instead we're stuck with these anti-transportation assclowns. And to your people bitching about the tunnel, Bechtel built the rest of the system with a design/build no-bid contract, and they did a fuckin' good job. Plus tunnels = cost overruns. And honestly, those of you trying to scuttle the elevated track, you weren't for the tunnel either - you wanted to kill the damn project either because of some misguided notion of "slow growth" or because you didn't want to hand a political victory to a primary rival. But I digress. Assholes. We need that train.

I downloaded all of Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass's Going Places album because I wanted to expand my collection of cheesey music. But I'll be damned if Tijuana Taxi isn't a catchy song. Is it possible I'm starting to ACTUALLY enjoy Herb Alpert instead of just IRONICALLY enjoy him?

Hollow Aluminum Tubes

2008-01-08T18:21:41Z

So as I sit first in a hollow aluminum tube with a couple of jets attached to it and then a second hollow aluminum tube that sits on rails, I've been trying to reflect a bit on the last 10 days, I can never seem to sleep on planes anyways – so it seems like a good time to begin the ol' “think-er-ing”. This was definitely a very unique experience – not a normal vacaction. I definitely do feel like I got the break I needed, but I think this spring I may take a long weekend somewhere for a do-nothing kind of vacation.

Quick Thoughts:
Shwarma and Falafel = AWESOME
Goldstar Beer needs to be distributed in the States
Cuban Pork sandwiches may be slightly extra tasty when eaten ironically.
I'm very glad that leash laws exist in the States after I saw a couple of mean dogs corner a Terrier in a Kibbutz. The little dog did escape unharmed.
Restaurant Food > Hotel Food > Airplane Food (duh)
If all Wine needs for Kosher status is to be prepared by Orthos, why the fuck have people been drinking Manishevitz?
Shintzel (Fried Chicken Patties breaded with Sesame Seeds) can be anywhere from ok to fuckin' awful.

Drawn Out Thoughts

Jerusalem is acutally a real place, not just a religious pilgrim desitination. They have roads, malls, shops, bars, hotels, light rail, freeways... And yet, it is the center of so much tension. And one begins to ask, “Is this city really worth all the blood that has been shed for it?”

There were two rounds of goodbyes last night/this morning. First, we said goodbye to the Israelis we'd travelled with and those from our group who were staying longer before we got on the plane. Then goodbye to everyone else when we landed in Newark. Both times it felt very odd – I've just spent an intense 10 days with this group of people, and none of them live in Washington so it's not easy to just go hang out with anyone. The closest people are in Richmond (ironically?) and New York. And oh how many New Yorkers there were. We all said we were going to keep in touch, but I'm truly not sure whom I'll see again, and who's forever left my life. Some people I have no doubt that I will see again. For others? Perhaps Facebook linkage, or perphas not... One thing we were trying to sort out is how to handle the photo sharing situation – something I fully intend to investigate when I get back home. I also intend to do laundry. And take a shower. Oy vey I smell! And soon, I will resume the company of my beloved Poodle. Who is now shorn. I need to brush him more.

Oh and Jeff, I brought you back Bissli. Mmmm...

Jerusalem and Tel Aviv

2008-01-06T05:49:34Z

That wine I got all excited about bringing home? I totally left it at the last hotel. Grrrr..... That was a waste of money.

We went to Jerusalem for a day, and will be returning back there tommorrow before we leave. While there, we checked out the Old City, including the Western Wall. I've been chewing over the whole experience for the last two days, and I'm not quite sure what to make of it. In some senses, Jerusalem seems like a perfectly normal city – highways, streets, etc. It's quite nice. But there's an underlying tension that is definitely abnormal. Perhaps I'll get a better sense of the place once we return.

Tel Aviv is a wonderful place. It instantly felt familiar. I think the best comparision I can make with Tel Aviv is Miami – metropolitan, populated, on the beach, and full of Jews – albeit in Tel Aviv they're more my age then my grandparent's age. It is quite odd to go out to a bar at night, knowing that probably everyone there – from the patrons to the wait staff – are Jewish.

While here I've done some shopping, ate at some good restaurants, and walked along the Mediterranean. The hotel, however, is a shit hole. C'est la vie.

Coffee Makers

2008-01-02T16:41:12Z

Apparently, one can purchase over 15 drinks, including shots, for under $75 US at Kibbutz bars. I made it a point to buy the first round on new years. There's something inherently gratifying about picking up the tab befo tore people can realize it – and doing it first is a great way to ensure future drinks purchased for you by others. Alcoholic dividends, I suppose (I guess it's not completely al-cohol-truistic.

I am continually struck by the similarities between Israel and California. Warm client, diverse terrain, driving everywhere, McDonalds all over...

Coffee-maker technology has seemed to escape the Israelis – everywher you go, it's instant coffee. With such devotion to the crap, it doesn't surprise me that Starbucks packed up and left.

Admittedly I haven't been going out as much as I would've thought, but that probably has a lot to do with the absence of places to go. Carlsberg Beer is fairly prevalent here – and it is quite good on tap. I shall have to remember to order it more during my next trip to the Brickskeller. I did finally get to try a Goldstar Lager, which was a dark beer. I was quite impressed.

As I type now, we're pulling away from the Galil Mountain Winery. Aside from an over the top, sexually charged, intro video – the wine was quite good. I wasn't too impressed with their Yiron blend – their flagship wine. But they had an excellent Pinot Noir, of which I picked up a few bottles.

One of the absolute best pieces of the trip is the friends I am making. While most of the people here are New Yorkers (which is really feeding a desire to move to NYC), there are at least a few people here with whom I'm fairly certain I will keep close contact. Many of the photos you see of me on here and Flickr were taken by my friend Stacy who is a professional wedding photographer. If you need wedding photos in the NYC area, let me know and I will put you in touch with her. I also know a good one in DC – but I digress.

Sitting Beside the Dead Sea

2007-12-31T12:32:43Z

I love open WiFi. Especially when I'm hanging out near the Dead Sea. Now you may be wondering - "Mike, why aren't you IN the Dead Sea?" Unfortunately, this morning I had a flare up of a cornea abrasion I suffered 6 years ago at the hands of a USA Today. Somehow, surrounding myself with salt water seemed like an absolutely terrible idea.

We spent a large part of the day today at Masada. This was probably the first time that I got to truly come up close to Roman ruins. We watched the sunrise, discussed the history, and walked down the side of the mountain.

A nature preserve was the next spot. Some attractive waterfalls, and the Deer-like Ibix. I learned that Deer are Kosher, but Ibix are not - something about hoof splitting. Who knew?

Word has gotten around that I have a computer, and I've been able to find WiFi hot spots. Of course, everyone has been asking to check their email. I'm debating whether or not to charge.