What is Improvisation?.

Principles of Improv:

• Acceptance of a new idea or approach from the standpoint of exploring the possibilities it has to offer. The attitude of “Yes, and”.
• Attentive listening to the partners with whom one is co-creating.
• Temporary suspension of critical judgment, while in the option-generating phase.
• An attitude of relaxed, even playful, openness to new ideas. Diverging out from the obvious into the far reaches of imagination. “What if ___?”
• Reframing situations to explore creative possibilities. Shifting perspective, focus, position.
• A willingness to take chances, to risk appearing foolish.
• An understanding that no choice is absolutely right or wrong, though each may turn out to be more or less productive in a given situation – and this can often be discovered only through trial and error.

[Dane Carlson's Weblog]

In an increasingly complex and ever-changing world, the ability to improvise is crucial. What worked 6 months ago will not work today. Why not and how do we fix it? Yet, by every bullet point in the above, the current administration is a failure. Every single one of them. It does not listen to other views. It does not listen attentively since it seldom listens at all. We have yet to hear of them suspending any critical judgment. In fact, many incidents indicate that it follows a rush to judgment rather than the opposite. I have yet to hear of any openness to new ideas viewed with playfulness. Nothing is reframed for creative possibilities. Appearing foolish seems to be the exact opposite of this administration's approach. It has to always be perfectly in control. The last one is actually laughable. To its way of thinking, every choice is either absolutely right or it is wrong. They talk in the manner of moral certitude for everything they do, even when it is the opposite of what they said a few weeks earlier.

This inability to improvise well explains why they seem to always be whipsawed by events. We can't release the PDA because of national security. We will release it. NO advisor to the President can appear and testify under oath because it will weaken all future Presidents. Sure, she can appear. Events are moving faster than they can keep up with. (And I am not certain the Democrats are any better. Dean's campaign group, like Trippi, actually seemed to understand the need to improvise well, but Kerry has not been put in the same crucible quite yet. Some of his moves indicate an ability to improvise but we will have to see what his organization can do.)  comment []11:59:57 PM    

State of Church. Today's New York Times has the latest in its litany of articles about liberal Catholics and politics. It's far from the worst of the lot (that would be the weird Katharine Seelye piece that made the Paulists sound like a... [Body and Soul]

When Kennedy ran, he made a bold statement essentially saying the Pope would not be determining his policy. Now, apparently, Catholic politicians are supposed to do exactly what the Pope says or face the loss of sacraments. If the Catholic Church tries to corral its members who are politicians this way, it will only result in the loss of many Catholic politicians. No one is going to elect a politician beholden to the Church rather than the people who elected him. The main effect would only be to remove Catholics from office, either because others fill their spots or they leave the Church.

This seems very counterproductive but in a world where so many people see things only as black and white, with litmus tests to make sure no one moves outside the lines, I am not surprised. So many people want to destroy the diversity of thought that has made America so strong. Any dissent, any belief that falls outside what 'they' have decided is correct, any action that violates the rules, is suspect and wrong. These are exactly the same people who tried to stone the fallen woman because she violated the rules as set out by their faith. Jesus stopped them from carrying out what their religion ordered them to do. Their eventual response was to kill him and start a whole new, more potent faith. Might happen again.  comment []11:39:47 PM    

The Taliban in America. This is unbelievable.

Doctors or other health care providers could not be disciplined or sued if they refuse to treat gay patients under legislation passed Wednesday by the Michigan House.

The bill allows health care workers to refuse service to anyone on moral, ethical or religious grounds.

The Republican dominated House passed the measure as dozens of Catholics looked on from the gallery. The Michigan Catholic Conference, which pushed for the bills, hosted a legislative day for Catholics on Wednesday at the state Capitol.

The bills now go the Senate, which also is controlled by Republicans.

The Conscientious Objector Policy Act would allow health care providers to assert their objection within 24 hours of when they receive notice of a patient or procedure with which they don't agree. However, it would prohibit emergency treatment to be refused.

If this law passes, I will personally help compile the wall of shame so we can frequently and loudly object to anyone who thinks they have the moral right to do this. [Eschaton]

So, how is someone supposed to 'know' someone is gay, or a Catholic, or living with someone. Those are all questions that are not allowed to be asked before providing health. Will your ability to get healthcare depend on gossip and innuendo, then? It is scary to believe that my ability to receive medical care will be solely determined by the moral, ethical and religious views of the health care workers, not on my need. It must be nice to be allowed to enter an industry where you can opt out of a procedure simply by saying doing so would violate my sincere belief that disease is a curse from God, who will be the one to cure it. Insane.  comment []11:11:49 PM    

Shocking Allegations. Neal Pollack interviews John O'Neill. [Eschaton]

And what is worse is that John O'Neill is from my hometown. Here is someone who never served with Kerry, who appeared on a 'debate' in the 70s against Kerry (sponsored by Nixon and Coulson). Here is how they described the situation:

In a series of memos, Nixon aide Colson, who later went to prison for his role in the Watergate scandal, referred to the administration's efforts to promote O'Neill and to challenge Kerry to debate him.

On June 15, 1971, Colson noted that Kerry first turned down a debate offer with O'Neill and that he was 'beginning to take a tremendous beating in the press.

'Let's destroy this young demagogue before he becomes another Ralph Nader,' Colson wrote about Kerry.

Looks like they failed. He is now bigger than Ralph Nader. And, in light of the "A HREF="http://radio.weblogs.com/0100187/2004/04/12.html#a2803">Tiger Force story, some of the things Kerry mentioned actually did happen and were covered up by the Army. This material won the Pulizter just this last year. Yet, people still believe that My Lai was an abberration. The Tiger Force did its work over a period of months, not just in one horrifying event.  comment []10:42:12 PM    

Editor's Cut: Let's Take Back America. Since Bush took office, America has suffered a staggering decline. [The Nation Weblogs]

I guess you could call Bush a uniter by forcing half the country that appears to be progressive to unite. Will Rogers described the Democrats thusly:

I'm not a member of any organized political party, I'm a Democrat!

I guess Bush is doing a good job organizing them. Most of those who voted for Nader, saying there was no difference between the parties are ready to vote Bush out. With such a divided country, we will only get through this next period if we can truly find someone who can work back to the middle ground. Otherwise, we may suffer a meltdown in ways reminiscent of the middle 19th Century.  comment []10:25:22 PM    

On the Stupidity of Polls. And those who answer them: Q: Please tell me whether the following statement applies to George W. Bush or not: He is honest and trustworthy. Yes: 55% No: 44% Don't Know: 1% Q:Please tell me whether the following statement applies... [Whiskey Bar]

I particularly liked the last results:

Q: Overall do you think George W. Bush has done more to unite the country, or has done more to divide the country?

Unite: 50% Divide: 48% Don't Know: 2%

comment []10:11:57 PM    

The Depressive and the Psychopath - At last we know why the Columbine killers did it. By Dave Cullen [Daypop Top 40]

April 19, 1995 - Oklahoma City. April 20, 1999 - Columbine. Both were terrorist acts, designed to attack supposedly safe areas. As this article reveals, Columbine was supposed to be timed on the OK anniversary. It was supposed to be even bigger, inflicting more lost of life. These terrorists were not out for revenge. they wanted to create a terrorist event that would be bigger than anything that had happened on American soil.

These are the sorts of events we will deal with for the next generation - stateless acts of violence. A standing army is ill equipped to deal with this, which is why they will continue to occur, unless we act against the root causes. David Neiwert gives a really good account of the causes for these sorts of acts. Without a clear understanding of the reasons, we can never find a solution.  comment []12:39:26 PM    

" Senator Says U.S. May Need Compulsory Service to Boost Iraq Force " [Daypop Top 40]

Best way for Bush to drop in the polls is to bring this out right now. I expect this to be hushed up until after the elections. After Rumsfeld has said for 2 years that we have more than enough troops from volunteers, I do not expect theis Administration to get behind this until they are safely in the White House for another 4 years. But if (when) they do, I expect there to be quite a fire storm.  comment []12:30:05 PM    

"Banana Guard" [Daypop Top 40]

Another wonderful consumer product, in several amazing colors.  comment []12:26:24 PM    

"Seattle Times" [Daypop Top 40]

Just read in the Seattle Times that the woman who took the picture has lost her job. They also fired her new husband. I figured something like this would happen. The nail that stands up must be pounded back in. Intimidation must be reinforced at every step, lest power be lost.   comment []12:25:43 PM    

" Senator Says U.S. May Need Compulsory Service to Boost Iraq Force " [Daypop Top 40]

Another wonderful consumer product, in several amazing colors.  comment []12:23:36 PM    

"I don't need to make this stuff up." [Daypop Top 40]

A product that describes exactly what it does, as well as a product that can not be mentioned on TV. It does give a great explanation why squeezing the Charmin is bad.  comment []12:18:34 PM    

Due Process, or No Process: Rule of Law at Stake. Our government insists that it can kidnap a foreign national overseas and hold him forever in a Guantanamo jail, or put him through a military trial and even execute him. Oh, the government has made a few cosmetic concessions to law in its plans for military tribunals. But note that these are unilateral changes and can be withdrawn at any time.

Our government also insists that U.S. citizens can be declared enemy combatants and tossed into jail forever, or tried by military tribunals (and maybe executed), without access to a lawyer or the courts. If the court endorses this, it's endorsing despotism. [Dan Gillmor's eJournal]

This is the scariest thing this administration has done. Bush has said this conflict will go on for decades. If the Executive branch has carte blanche to imprison anyone, citizen or not, without any Constitutional safeguards as long as this conflict lasts, it could very well lead to the end of American freedom as we know it. The Executive branch gets to define how long the conflict is, who is involved, who gets imprisoned without benefit of a lawyer, due process or any basic human rights. People can just disappear. Is this the sort of power we want to invest in ANY human being? We know how great the temptations can be. We have seen it again and again throughout history.

We fought the British because they had many of these same despotic laws. If the Supreme Court allows these principles to stand, one day the US will be the subject of a similar revolution, because we will have turned our backs on the very foundations that provide us with ANY moral peak to promulgate our views. Only shear force of arms would then allow us to continue to have any kind of say in the world politic. That is surely the path of decline and failure. In the long run, ideas are more important than weapons. Right does make might, in contrast to the path these principles will take us down. I hope it is not one this country will travel. Unfortunately, I am not optimistic. It takes courage to live in a free, democratic society. That is why so many of our Founding Fathers provided so many important words describing freedom, liberty and tyranny:

The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground. Thomas Jefferson

Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of Liberty. Thomas Jefferson

The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. Thomas Jefferson

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure. Thomas Jefferson

Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame. Ben Franklin

Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God. Ben Franklin

Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both. Ben Franklin (one of my favorites)

There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty. John Adams

Democracy... while it lasts is more bloody than either [aristocracy or monarchy]. Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There is never a democracy that did not commit suicide. John Adams

Fear is the foundation of most governments; but it is so sordid and brutal a passion, and renders men in whose breasts it predominates so stupid and miserable, that Americans will not be likely to approve of any political institution which is founded on it John Adams

But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever. John Adams

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. Thomas Paine

A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader. Samuel Adams

No people will tamely surrender their Liberties, nor can any be easily subdued, when knowledge is diffused and Virtue is preserved. On the Contrary, when People are universally ignorant, and debauched in their Manners, they will sink under their own weight without the Aid of foreign Invaders. Samuel Adams

Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall, when the wise are banished from the public councils, because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded, because they flatter the people, in order to betray them. Joseph Story

A fondness for power is implanted, in most men, and it is natural to abuse it, when acquired. Alexander Hamilton

And it proves, in the last place, that liberty can have nothing to fear from the judiciary alone, but would have everything to fear from its union with either of the other departments. Alexander Hamilton Very appropriate

Of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people, commencing demagogues and ending tyrants. Alexander Hamilton

Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined. Patrick Henry

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! Patrick Henry

How prone all human institutions have been to decay; how subject the best-formed and most wisely organized governments have been to lose their check and totally dissolve; how difficult it has been for mankind, in all ages and countries, to preserve their dearest rights and best privileges, impelled as it were by an irresistible fate of despotism. James Monroe

Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness. George Washington

There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations. James Madison

No political truth is certainly of greater intrinsic value, or is stamped with the authority of more enlightened patrons of liberty than that on which the objection is founded. The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny. James Madison

What should it be called when the Executive branch controls all judicial proceedings against a citizen, spends money not appropriated by Congress, misleads Congress about the expenditure of money that has been appropriated and attacks sovereign countries without a declaration of war? Madison would know what to call it.  comment []1:12:59 AM