tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-327290172024-03-07T03:14:59.341-05:00KujanblogProgressive Politics from an <a href="http://www.freestatepolitics.us/showDiary.do?diaryId=555">"Urban Liberal"</a> in Westminster, Maryland.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.comBlogger311125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-30817733472488781192008-10-20T16:26:00.004-04:002008-10-20T16:36:11.892-04:00Update on my lifeHello folks. It has been a long time since my last post, and it will most likely be a long time until my next one. As you can see by the new subheading, I have returned to my hometown of Westminster, where my girlfriend and I can afford to rent a very nice townhome. <br /><br />I am currently working at AFSCME Maryland, training to be a union organizer. Its exciting to start this new journey. Before today, I had spent the last 6 months working for Progressive Maryland, a wonderful community organization some of you may be familiar with. If you are looking for a way to get your foot in the door when it comes to political/community organizing, Progressive Maryland is a fabulous place to start. The people who make up PM are amazing, and I will miss spending my days with them in the trenches. Thanks to everyone there for all the great work you continue to do. <br /><br />Life goes on. Thanks for checking in.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-74997334869093094052008-06-01T15:26:00.002-04:002008-06-01T15:50:54.717-04:00Energy Deregulation<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-te.bz.psc31may31,0,6131845,print.story">What a horrible mess</a>. We all lose, except for Constellation Energy. Constellation leads all Fortune 1000 energy companies in both <a href="http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2008/snapshots/2055.html">revenue and profits</a>. <br /><br />Oh yeah, PRICES GO UP AGAIN tonight. We can't count on FERC to do anything, as our federal system of checks and balances has been gutted in favor of partisan appointments. I would encourage you to call your legislator to demand action and hope they are not one of the many who have taken monetary support from Constellation or one of their numerous affiliated companies and subsidiaries.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-90219314149478407762008-03-18T22:46:00.004-04:002008-03-18T22:49:38.591-04:00You Need to Watch This RE: Obama<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pWe7wTVbLUU&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pWe7wTVbLUU&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />Yeah, I am sure everyone is posting it, but this speech is awesome. This is the perfect response to that reverend bullshit.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-8097780540372690432008-03-06T22:48:00.002-05:002008-03-06T22:56:30.284-05:00Update on my LifeAs readers of this site (and Freestatepolitics) may have noticed, I have been almost completely absent from the internet lately. The reason for my extended absence is that I have recently gotten a new job with Progressive Maryland as a field canvasser. The schedule is what has kept me from blogging, as the work is in the evenings, and my mornings are filled with two things, catching up on sleep and engaging in some sort of leisure activity for at least a moment. As a result of this schedule, my blogging will be infrequent (as always). <br /><br />Currently, at Progressive Maryland we are campaigning for publicly financed elections. SB 593 is currently being held up in committee, and we are collecting signatures and donations of support for PM, so we can continue putting pressure on the wary legislators. <br /><br />Well, thats all for now. I will continue to blog sporadically when the urge strikes me, but at this point, I want to focus on my new job, one that is finally in politics.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-9845688045571218052008-02-05T21:02:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:05:30.766-05:00Homicides Down in BaltimoreI must say, this is a <a href="http://www.examiner.com/a-1201073~Commissioner_Bealefeld___Crime_is_going_down_.html?cid=rss-Baltimore">rather refreshing interview</a> with Commissioner Bealefeld. Lets hope that this slowdown in murders continues, no matter what the reason. <br /><br />This is making Dixon look really good.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-67216100744336625692008-01-22T15:44:00.001-05:002008-01-22T15:54:30.309-05:00One Place that is Screaming for Development<a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2008/01/21/daily17.html?ana=from_rss">The Inner Harbor</a>, really? The former home of a toxic and polluting chromium plant, "Harbor Point" is another feather in the cap of the Struever Bros. The kickbacks can now begin. Morgan Stanley gets $4 mil. <br /><br />Of course, this all was able to happen because the <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2003/05/05/focus6.html">Feds decided Corporations shouldn't have to clean up the messes they make</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote>The federal government's concession not to sue developers for future environmental cleanups at the former chrome plant paves the way for one of former Mayor William Donald Schaefer's pet projects to finally reach fruition.</blockquote><br /><br />Delightfully toxic, just like this City.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-30398786671113394632008-01-21T14:36:00.000-05:002008-01-21T14:40:38.775-05:00"Demonic, destructive suction tube."<a href="http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/MRC/pacificaviet/riversidetranscript.html">Dr. King, describing the effects of the Vietnam war</a> on federal programs to help the poor. A bit more: <br /><blockquote>Then came the build-up in Vietnam. And I watched the program broken as if it was some idle political plaything of a society gone mad on war. And I knew that America would never invest the necessary funds or energies in rehabilitation of its poor so long as adventures like Vietnam continued to draw men and skills and money, like some demonic, destructive suction tube. And you may not know it, my friends, but it is estimated that we spend $500,000 to kill each enemy soldier, while we spend only fifty-three dollars for each person classified as poor, and much of that fifty-three dollars goes for salaries to people that are not poor. So I was increasingly compelled to see the war as an enemy of the poor, and attack it as such.</blockquote><br /><br />I call that leadership. I am reminded of those who voted for the Iraq war, particularly Democrats, who now spend their time working for votes claiming they have the best interests of the poor and middle class at heart, and how many lies they must be forced to tell every single day.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-57794714763034405272008-01-15T12:14:00.000-05:002008-01-15T12:22:51.077-05:00Flawed Sun Poll Inflates Death Penalty Support in MarylandA new<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.poll15jan15,0,5091136.story?page=1">Sun</a> poll shows that 57% of Marylanders support the Death Penalty. This isn't surprising, seeing as the poll was crafted to get that answer. The reporters at the Sun know this, and they even put it in their article (though far below the headline).<br /><blockquote>But support for capital punishment drops precipitously when pollsters introduce the alternative sentence of life in prison without possibility of parole.<br /><br />Asked in 2006 whether death or life without parole is the better penalty for murder, 47 percent chose the death penalty and 48 percent picked life without parole, according to the Gallup poll.<br /><br />In Maryland, a poll of 625 registered voters conducted in February by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research revealed a similar drop. In that statewide survey, commissioned by the Maryland Catholic Conference, which opposes capital punishment, <b>56 percent expressed support for the death penalty while 34 percent opposed it. But asked a follow-up question, 61 percent said they thought life without parole is a suitable alternative to a death sentence.</b></blockquote><br />It would be nice to see a poll commissioned by an independent observer that asks the same follow up, or at least forces poll respondents to choose between life in prison with no parole and a death sentence. That is the argument we are having, so that should be the question that is asked. It seems like no-brainer to me.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-64845916633933132512008-01-10T16:47:00.000-05:002008-01-10T16:48:12.124-05:00Bane - Superhero<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1v1gr0-yM1A&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1v1gr0-yM1A&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />Come back to Baltimore, dudes.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-39458669876696793092008-01-10T10:08:00.001-05:002008-01-10T10:14:29.806-05:00What if some CEO Couldn't Take a Swim?Perish <a href="http://redmaryland.blogspot.com/2008/01/big-brother-reigns-in-anne-arundel.html">the thought</a>.<br /><br /><blockquote>Imagine after a long day of business meetings, some CEO is forbidden from taking a swim because some 16 year old high school kid abruptly quit his afternoon job as lifeguard?</blockquote><br /><br />For what its worth, I agree with "bud". Lots of hotel pools don't have lifeguards, particularly at night. This sentence just struck me as funny for some reason. Perhaps because this is bud's prime example of "big brother" in Anne Arundel County.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-75241205530981215032008-01-09T16:53:00.000-05:002008-01-09T17:01:49.772-05:00Losing Never Looked Better<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2007-11/33836706.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2007-11/33836706.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />[Wonderful rendering from the <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-camdenyards1117,0,1069624.photo?coll=bal_tab01_layout">Baltimore Sun</a>]<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/al/CamdenYards.htm">best looking park in Baseball</a> is <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-scoreboard0109,0,476331.story?track=rss">getting a facelift</a>. I assume the Oriole players in the artist's rendering are celebrating someones birthday/bar mitzvah.<br /><br />Honestly though, I cannot WAIT to get to The Yard next season. This weather has me jonesing for springtime and the perks it brings.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-46236846981604431032008-01-09T16:10:00.000-05:002008-01-09T16:36:28.124-05:00Dixon Has GoalsI will "support" or "oppose" <a href="http://www.examiner.com/a-1147283~Dixon_focus_on_crime__development.html?cid=rss-Baltimore">them</a> below based on how they address my progressive concerns for Baltimore City.<br /><br />1. <span style="font-style:italic;">$5 million dollar to fund increased access to Buprenorphine, a relatively new medication to treat heroin addiction.</span><br /><br />SUPPORT: This is great, and I only wish there was more money in the request. Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua Sharfstein said it right when he called this a "very promising start". Bupe keeps heroin addicts in treatment longer and it gives them the clear head they need to look hard at their lives and make the needed lifestyle changes necessary to recovery. This is a wise investment in the future of Baltimore.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-style:italic;">Traffic cameras to discourage speeders</span><br /><br />OPPOSE: You have to make money somehow, and I suppose this isn't the worst way to do so. Still, something about these rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it's the disingenuous appeals to public safety. The article makes it sound like these cameras won't send tickets, just warn drivers. If thats the case, I oppose them even more virulently, because they will be yet another traffic signal for Baltimore drivers to casually ignore.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-style:italic;">Money for Parks and Development, including $3mil for a town center in Park Heights and $2mil for an overhaul of a park in the Inner Harbor</span><br /><br />SUPPORT: Baltimore continues to grow, and while I hate to see more money go to the touristy Harbor, it is still the national face of the city, and improving it will only pay off in the long run. I will hope against hope that these real estate deals have been made without crony considerations. <br /><br />4. <span style="font-style:italic;">A request for an extra $2 million for the city prosecutors to try gun cases, and $7.3 million for community policing initiatives and foot patrols.</span><br /><br />SUPPORT: Dixon is really sticking to the Community Policing she touted in her campaign. Is it working? It appears no better or worse than before, but we won't really know until the program has a full year, perhaps two, to work its "magic". Either way, good for Dixon for sticking to her guns (no pun intended) and not caving to O'Malley-style mass arrests in the face of violence. Anecdotally, I have seen an increased police presence in my neighborhood. No word on whether the change is part Dixon's new strategy or due to the convenient placement of the local Chipotle.<br /><br />Dixon has not proposed taking a look at Baltimore's revenue sources, currently driven by what citizens across the board term "outrageous property taxes". <br /><br />In conclusion, if Dixon gets what she wants from the council, this will be a very progressive year for Baltimore City. I am impressed.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-54454347827066790322008-01-09T15:47:00.000-05:002008-01-09T15:59:37.180-05:00Maryland for MillionairesThe apparently <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2008/01/07/daily20.html?ana=from_rss">"overtaxed" Maryland is second in the nation when it comes to millionaire residents</a>. You can read the raw data <a href="http://www.phoenixmi.com/prfiles/State_Rankings_Millionaires_2005-2007.xls.">here </a>(xls).<br /><br />What will be interesting to see is this same study in 2008 after one full year under the new tax burden has passed. We can see if the new tax brackets and tax increases really do chase away our "most productive" (i cringe just typing that) citizens.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-44299140571471470292008-01-09T13:34:00.000-05:002008-01-09T13:36:45.124-05:00More on Baltimore's "Single Stream" RecyclingVia<a href="http://www.baltimoreguide.com/2008/01/09/paper-plastic-matter-anymore/"> Baltimore Guide</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote>Say “so long” to Blue Bag Mondays. Starting January 8, plastic bags are a no-no when it comes to curbside recycling. That’s when the city will start using a new system called single-stream recycling. Gone are the days of separating paper from bottles and cans. With the single-stream system, all of these things can be placed in one container and set out on the curb on the same day—as long as they’re not in a plastic bag. <br /><br />All recyclables can be mixed together and placed in either a recyclable container like a cardboard box or a brown paper bag or in a clearly marked container that can be reused. And since recycling is separate from trash, containers do not need a lid.<br /><br />The list of items that can be recycled has expanded a bit to include more types of plastic bottles. Previously, only type 1 and 2 plastic bottles were accepted (You can tell what kind of plastic a bottle or container is by the symbol of a number in the triangle on the bottom.), but now types 1 through 7 can be recycled curbside.</blockquote><br /><br />Awesome.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-78992518905802498462008-01-08T13:36:00.000-05:002008-01-08T13:45:49.727-05:00All Your Base Are Belong to ComcastBask in the <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2008/01/07/daily10.html?ana=from_rss">power of successful lobbying</a>. <a href="http://comcastmustdie.blogspot.com/">Customer satisfaction is unimportant</a> when you can just buy out all of your competition.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-14103272884369180032008-01-08T13:28:00.000-05:002008-01-08T13:32:44.136-05:00KY Lethal Injection Case Could Have Implications for MarylandIs it me, or does it seem like<a href="http://www.redorbit.com/news/general/1205386/justices_to_review_lethal_injection_ky_case_tests_legality_of/index.html"> the death penalty is under severe attack</a> lately? Signs of a nation trending towards progressivism? I am not sure, but if so, its a good sign. A key bit from the article:<br /><blockquote>And in Maryland, members of the state's execution team testified to unfamiliarity with the very tasks they are asked to carry out when a convicted killer is put to death. <br /><br /><b>A retired state trooper responsible for injecting the three drugs into IV lines said he rarely pays attention when an execution team member says certain steps in the process "because it doesn't have much to do with what I do."</b> <br /><br />But an anesthesiologist for the death row inmate later told the judge that <b>the steps mentioned by the man involved the injection of drugs -- that team member's precise job.</b></blockquote><br /><br />Justice.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-48040958552161670272008-01-08T11:43:00.000-05:002008-01-08T11:46:49.853-05:00Dixon Admin to Sue Bank for Predatory Lending to Blacks<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-te.md.wells08jan08,0,45174.story?track=rss">Interesting</a>, if not laudable. Wells-Fargo must have missed a donation somewhere.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-49754455635387820882008-01-07T16:05:00.001-05:002008-01-07T16:25:54.693-05:00Something We Should All Get BehindThe "Something" is <a href="http://www.examiner.com/a-1142106~Parents_renew_push_for_elected_school_board.html?cid=rss-Baltimore">an elected school board in Baltimore City</a>. By "we", I mean Maryland and Baltimore bloggers/activists of all political stripes.<br /><br />We are up against severe opposition, including Senate President Mike V. Miller, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon, and the members of the school board themselves. I would imagine the Governor will weigh in against us as well. <br /><br />But this isn't about them, its about the voters of Baltimore City demanding accountability from those who have steered our school system into turbulent waters year in and year out. Its about giving voters in Baltimore City a reason to go to polls aside from restoring the a new version of the same broken leadership every year.<br /><br />Noted NPR reporter and School Board Member, Anirban Basu proves his ineptitude:<br /><blockquote><br />Baltimore school board member Anirban Basu called an elected board “the worst of all possible ideas.”<br /><br />“We are beholden to no special interests, because we don’t depend upon any special interests to get elected,” he said.<br /><br />“That doesn’t mean we don’t make mistakes, but it’s because of a lack of understanding and information, not because of special interests with needs divorced of the needs of young people.”</blockquote><br /><br />This is a man whose consulting company has the O'MALLEY for MAYOR campaign as a client saying he didn't need "special interests" to get elected. RIGHT, next please. <br /><br />Not to mention, apparently "making mistakes because of a lack of understanding and information" is something to be commended. Seriously, this guy is mentally detached. <br /><br />But heck, maybe I am being unkind or overzealous. If Mr. Basu believes he is really meant to be on our school board, perhaps he could take a few months out of his busy schedule of talking on the radio every morning and earning numerous degrees and convince the voters of this fact. I would assume that with all of BCPS' problems, a school board job would be close to full time. Not for Anirban and other folks on the school board, apparently. They know better, and they also know you don't have a say.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Update:</span>Let me also note that ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES. From the same examiner article:<br /><br /><blockquote>Proponents of elected boards “have built up momentum and community support each year, so it has a better shot of passing,” said <span style="font-weight:bold;">Del. Jill Carter, D-Baltimore City</span>.</blockquote><br /><br />One of Jill Carter's election promises was to fight for an elected school board. Mayor Dixon is solidly in the corner of an unelected North Avenue. Jill polled at what, 1%? Where were all of these concerned parents then? Who the hell knows... great job though!Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-14754071281077423412008-01-07T15:09:00.000-05:002008-01-07T15:13:21.328-05:00Chipotle Increases Their Temptation Factor<p><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2008/01/07/daily6.html?ana=from_rss"><strong>Via the Baltimore Business Journal<br /></strong></a></p><blockquote><p><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/gen/Chipotle_Mexican_Grill_Inc_7DEDB38A0AAD4396BA012594BE1762A2.html"><strong>Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.</strong></a> said Monday it intends to serve a significant increase in naturally raised meat this year. </p> <p> The Denver company, which operates 670 restaurants, including around 10 in the Baltimore area, said the amount will increase by 40 percent, to 52 million pounds. That's 12 million more pounds than were served last year, the company said, and translates to about 200 million meals this year. </p> <p> Chipotle (NYSE: CMG) claims to be the world's leading restaurant provider of naturally raised meat -- beef, pork and chicken from animals raised humanely and not given antibiotics or added hormones. </p> <p> Chipotle is working to have all of its restaurants serving naturally raised meet <span style="font-weight:bold;">(SIC)</span>. Currently, naturally raised beef is served in 46 percent of the locations, while naturally raised chicken is available at 79 percent. Chipotle said naturally raised pork is at all of its restaurants.</p></blockquote><br />It doesn't help that they are also in walking distance.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-13573863634805370352008-01-07T14:51:00.000-05:002008-01-07T14:57:29.019-05:00The Wire: Season 5<a href="http://www.hbo.com/thewire/">ITS BACK</a>!! Check out former SUN employee<a href="http://www.examiner.com/a-1142109%7E_Wire__casts_critical_eye_on_media.html?cid=rss-Baltimore"> Mike O., just giddy over seeing his old bosses get a ribbing</a> from the <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200801/bowden-wire">notoriously angry and enlightened David Simon</a>. Check out the link on Simon. It presents a more critical look at him than I have encountered before. Good stuff all around.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-42740052277327911192008-01-07T14:28:00.000-05:002008-01-07T14:44:03.433-05:00A Strange Suggestion<a href="http://redmaryland.blogspot.com/2008/01/will-omalley-out-obama-obama-for.html">Mark Newgent at Red Maryland compares O'Malley and Obama</a>, and concludes that while they lack substance (something I agree with in shades), their messages of unity and hope have led to electoral victory over more substantive candidates.<br /><br /><blockquote>Bob Ehrlich campaigned on issues and substance <a href="http://www.wbaltv.com/news/10080471/detail.html">contrasting the differences</a> between himself and O’Malley on the issues. O’Malley played the pious piper, spoke in shallow generalities, demagoguing issues like the BGE rate hike as special interests bilking working families, and that he would stop the rate hike. <span style="font-weight: bold;">O’Malley won the election</span>, but like anyone who bothered to research the issue knew, could not stop the rate hike.</blockquote><br /><br />The emphasis is mine, mostly because Mr. Newgent seems to forget that fact as he closes his post. After stating that O'Malley and Obama won on their amorphis hopeful messages, Newgent concludes that the best strategy for Conservative is to ignore the sea change currently sweeping the nation.<br /><br /><blockquote>Change for change’ sake, without any real sense of where that change will lead to, is a fool’s errand and fraught with more peril than the status quo.<br /><br />Sadly, you see the Republican candidates, especially Huckabee and McCain, (and my man Mitt too) engaging in the same rhetoric.<br /><br />In the face of this claptrap, Conservatives should heed William F. Buckley’s charge to, “stand athwart history yelling stop.”</blockquote><br /><br />I don't really think this is much of a change from the current Conservative strategy. Are not Conservatives inherently opposed to brash and abrupt change? Of course they are, and this is why we are currently seeing them get routed at the polls. <br /><br />Moreover, it seems like the Republican candidates got the message that Mr. Newgent is determined to ignore. Change is <span style="font-weight: bold;">the</span> buzzword this season, despite it's muddied meaning. I understand Mr. Newgent's fear of this term. Change for changes sake has more likelihood of bringing bad legislation than good. Therefore in this "change" election, I believe it is the duty of politicians and those who follow them to do their best to define "change" as they see it, not to flee from it. <br /><br />Being the "anti-change" candidate or party in "change" election does not seem wise.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-75472807631744217462008-01-07T12:28:00.001-05:002008-01-07T12:47:37.826-05:00"Not in my Neighborhood" Democrats in Balitmore need to Grow UpSo<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-md.ci.homes07jan07,0,910919.story?track=rss"> Baltimore City has some illegal zoning laws on the books</a>, created to keep drug treatment centers out of residential areas. City folk who support the zoning laws say that the state regulations for these centers are lax and unenforced. O'Malley had the same complaint when he was Mayor, but surprise, he has yet to make any changes as Governor. So here we are, stuck in the shit.<br /><br />City Councilcritters like MP Clarke (and her terrified Charles Village constituents) and Jack Young (hey Jack, I thought we were on the same side in this drug legislation game) are against fixing the zoning laws, willing to let the Feds take the City to court. Very "leaderly" of them. Following O'M's lead to be sure.<br /><br />The fact is, these centers need to be built and expanded, and regulation needs to come later. Too bad that option leaves the political gears with no lubrication. Baltimore needs addiction solutions, and we need them now.<br /><br />But what wonderful irony that <span style="font-weight: bold;">Baltimore City is, in effect, zoned to ignore addiction<span style="font-weight: bold;">. </span></span>Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-79661817609107793192007-12-28T15:02:00.001-05:002007-12-28T15:28:46.429-05:00A few thingsI got a few quotes into a <a href="http://www.newsline.umd.edu/politics/specialreports/elections08/roundup110207.htm">University of Maryland news story on the MD-O4 Congressional race</a>. Good times.<br /><br />If anyone is interested in seeing a budget that would knock Maryland and particularly Baltimore City back to the stone age, check out <a href="http://www.briangriffiths.com/proposedbudgetcuts.pdf">Mr. Griffith's plan</a>. I do admire him for putting the work and thought to create this document. I disagree with many of his cuts and his plans to privatize public resources, such as public transport and parks departments. <br /><br />Here are some articles warning against the privatization of public transport. This <a href="http://www.news.uiuc.edu/gentips/03/09transit.html">article from The University of Illinois</a> claims that many of the problems of urban public transport would not be solved by privatization. This isn't due to the efficiency of one option over the other, but instead due to the inherent nature of current urban public transport. <br /><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000000;"><blockquote> The industry always has been hurt by the problem of "peaking," or the concentration of use during the morning and evening commuting hours. "The more severe the peaking, the more expensive it is to provide personnel and equipment without higher costs per passenger mile," Due wrote. <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Peaking produces a high percentage of empty seats, which is noted by critics of the present system as evidence of inefficiency and thus the need for a free market, when actually it is an inherent problem of urban transit."</span><br /> <br /> A single transit authority is better able to manage peaking and overcrowding, the Illinois economist argued, and the rise of "reverse commuting" during peak periods has led to the more efficient use of trains and buses in Chicago, New York and other transit-dependent cities.</blockquote></span></span>That isn't to say that the MTA is a model of efficiency, but it isn't right to think that conditions would improve or even stop declining should the MTA be privatized.<br /><br />The next article goes into the <a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/tomchick11072003.html">problems faced in England after they privatized much of their public transport</a>.<br /><br />Privatization aside, the cuts Mr. Griffith proposes would disproportionately harm the citizens of Baltimore. Privatizing the MTA could indeed lead to more efficient public transport, but that is not a given. What is a given is that prices would rise and certain lines would be removed or adversely affected. When trying to make a profit off of a struggling service, these decisions would seem unavoidable. The same could be said for parks. Mr. Griffiths' elimination of the small business development office, the division of neighborhood revitalization, and the state tobacco cessation programs all directly impact those at the bottom rung of the economic ladder.<br /><br />There are cuts in Mr. Griffiths' plan that warrant a closer look. It is also worth noting that as a political proposal, this plan has very little that would make it appealing to any Maryland legislator. But once again, Brian was challenged, and he followed through. Making his plan a reality in Maryland would seem to be an impossibility, and for that, I suppose progressives can breathe a sigh of relief.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-15364738431966303572007-12-28T11:51:00.001-05:002007-12-28T12:01:33.647-05:00Drug-Related Deaths: Classification Hides the TruthI think its a good thing that Baltimore City's Health Department is going to <a href="http://www.examiner.com/a-1126524%7ECity_reviews_drug_related_deaths.html?cid=rss-Baltimore">review the city's "drug-related deaths" over the past ten years</a>. The problem is, "drug related deaths" in this case only include those who have died from intoxication.<br /><br />The problem is being approached from a public health standpoint, which is both refreshing and troubling at the same time. While the consequences of illegal drug <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">abuse</span> are, in many ways, public health issues, the <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">trade</span></span> in these drugs is encompasses much more. To me, addressing one without addressing the other seems to be a shortsighted, if not ineffective strategy.<br /><br />I would be very interested in some sort of study investigating if a link between the drug trade/drug addiction and the current violence in Baltimore city. How many of the shootings, stabbings, muggings and burglaries in Baltimore are drug-related? That is the question that City Hall and the Mayor should be asking if they are interested in getting to the bottom of the true effect of illegal drugs in Baltimore City.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32729017.post-26571042456990488842007-12-27T15:09:00.000-05:002007-12-27T15:30:13.572-05:00Against Me! : A Study in DisappointmentI broke out some of my old(er) against me 7 inches over the holiday break. They were both smaller releases by small labels. At the time, Against Me! was a group of crusty kids (with roots in Towson, MD) touring basements keeping the stinking punk/anarchist tradition alive. They played all acoustic sets. They were inspiring (though it sounds cheesy to say). One of my favorite songs was the acoustic version of "Reinventing Axl Rose":<br /><br /><span class="std_font"><b></b></span><blockquote><span class="std_font"><b>"Reinventing Axl Rose"</b><br /><br />We want a band that plays loud and hard every night<br />That doesn't care how many people are counted at the door<br />That would travel one million miles and ask for nothing more than a plate of food and a place to rest<br />They'd strike chords that cut like a knife<br />It would mean so much more than t-shirts or a ticket stub<br />They'd stop at nothing short of a massacre<br />Everyone would leave with the memory that there was no place else in the world<br />And this was where they always belonged<br />We would dance like no one was watching<br />With one fist in the air<br />Our arena just basements and bookstores across an underground America<br />With this fire we could light<br />Just gimme a scene where the music is free<br />And the beer is not the life of the party<br />There's no need to shit talk or impress<br />'Cause honesty and emotion are not looked down upon<br />And every promise that's made and bragged<br />is meant if not kept<br />We'd do it all because we have to, not because we know why<br />Beyond a gender, race, and class, we could find what really holds us back<br />Let's make everybody sing<br />That they are the beginning and ending of everything<br />That we all are stronger than everything they taught us that we should fear<br /></span></blockquote>Idealistic and possibly unrealistic? Yes. Honest and inspired? For sure. <br /><br />In the following years Against Me! made a surprising transition. They moved from the small labels and 7 inches to Fat Wreck Chords and then to Sire Records. They ride in a tour bus these days, play rock clubs and music festivals. They are a different band. I believe this in a recent single. I heard it on the Sirius "PUNK" channel and had to turn it off after one chorus.<br /><blockquote><span class="big_font"><br /></span> <span class="std_font"><b>"Unprotected Sex With Multiple Partners"<br /><br /></b></span><span class="std_font"> Everyone's a critic, but hey they really respect your talent.<br />Have your manager call my manager, and we'll make records together.<br />At this level of success in entertainment, there are certain connotations.<br />It's a "you give we take" relation.<br />No the kids wouldn't understand it.<br />Come on now, how long do think this is really gonna last?<br />How long can you hold their attention before they move on to the next band?<br />On the inside.<br />On the inside.<br />On the inside.<br />Do you wanna know how it feels on the inside?<br />On the inside.<br />On the inside.<br />On the inside.<br />Do you wanna know how it feels on the inside?<br /><br />Coordinate the marketing, label, publicity, touring.<br />Consult on, timing and presentation.<br />Go ahead put this in context.<br />It's 3 points on production, 15% to management,<br />10% to the agent, 5% to legal representation.<br />We call it our insurance plan to stretch the inevitable as far as we can.<br />Gotta make your money while you got the chance,<br />do whatever it takes to sell it.<br /><br />On the inside.<br />On the inside.<br />On the inside.<br />Do you wanna know how it feels on the inside?<br />On the inside.<br />On the inside.<br />On the inside.<br />Do you wanna know how it feels on the inside?<br />(Let's go)<br />Just how desperate can we be?<br />Go buy our record and see.<br />Just how angry can we seem?<br />Go buy our record and see.<br />Just how fucked up can it get?<br />Go buy our record and see.<br />Just how much can we bleed?<br />We're completely irrelevant on LP and compact disc.<br /><br />On the inside.<br />On the inside.<br />On the inside.<br />Do you wanna know how it feels on the inside?</span></blockquote><span class="std_font"></span>Actually, I don't want to know what its like on the inside. I'm not there, and Against Me! never used to be. The complaining about the ills of fame are hollow. The talk about a loss of relevancy is enough to induce laughter. Against Me! have seen this "dissatisfaction with our major rock career" situation before play out with numerous bands. They also had seen examples of ways to increase distribution and exposure without giving away autonomy (Fugazi and Dischord Records come to mind). Against Me! made their choice and now they are complaining about all the strings attached to that money they are rolling in. I don't feel sorry for them in the least. <br /><br />Sorry to my readers looking for political content. I had to post this somewhere. And if you are looking for some solid music with a political message, check out <a href="http://www.jadetree.com/bands/artist/fucked_up">Fucked Up</a> and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/hopecon">The Hope Conspiracy</a>.Andrew Kujanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210430187199177801noreply@blogger.com0