Idaho Falls

Holly brought news of an event that sounds really interesting. Next Monday night, in honor of Law Day, ISU is hosting a panel to discuss the legal issues surrounding Bush's highly illegal NSA wiretapping criminal enterprise. I wonder what kind of conclusions they will reach? Check below for the details.

That means "holy shit" in the real world.

Our inaugural Drinking Liberally was a smashing success, if I say so myself.  When I was scouting for locations, I had told the owner of the Sandpiper Lounge that 6 to 8 people would be a rousing success.  And I truly believed that.  Partly because of my own paltry organizing skills, and partly because of the conservative density of Idaho Falls (Ha! "conservative density" — that's a redundant phrase if I've ever heard one).  I mean, we're one of only four or five states where Bush's approval rating is above 50%.  In Idaho Falls, he's probably above 70%.  You can go a week without seeing another liberal here.

As it was, the owner was a bit peeved, because we took up 4 tables on a busy night.  We had 20 people show up, and I knew fewer than half of them before tonight.  Not to mention, I had 7 emails from yesterday and today from people who couldn't make it, but promised to come next week.

This picture was taken before half the folks showed up, and just before the camera's battery died.  From left to right, it's Spencer, Karen, Ferrol, Danny, Steve, Dino, Earline, me, Rory, and Kitty. Not pictured are my wife, Hollis (the photographer), Justin, Holly, Mark, Jerry, Soli, John McK., Jean, John McG., and Virginia.

Some other chapters have probably had more people show up on their first night.  They can bite me.  We did good tonight.

People who dislike immigrants are just weird.  You know?  I wish that the world were twice as big as it is, so that we could get immigrants from twice as many places.  I have a long wish list of immigrants who the United States could use more of:  Hungarians, Uighurs, Tuvans, Tswana, Cariocas, Spaniards, and so forth.  And all the Tibetan monks living in camps in India, and all of the traditional craftspeople in Japan, and all of the electric guitar players in Zaire.  I want Nigerian restaurants to become as common in American cities as Indian and Chinese restaurants are now.  We should *pay* these people to come here.
Phil Agre

There's been some talk that the GOP has been trying to position the immigration issue as the next big wedge issue in this year's upcoming election.  They realize that "boys kissing" is so 2004.  And, although they seem to be botching it so far, Frist and company seem to be trying to find the right formulation to get their base motivated.

I think it can turn into a positive issue for Democrats.  We just need to figure out a consistent message (I know, I know:  cats, herding, etc.).  The first thing that needs to be loudly rejected is any notion that the immigration issue has anything to do with security.  That's a lie so willingly swallowed by our mainstream press that nobody even questions it.

Think about it.  If you were a terrorist plotting an attack in the U.S. - would you risk your life crossing a desert border in 120° heat, or would you buy some forged papers and fly in?  Would you risk giving away your plot by getting caught by U.S. border patrol agents or crazy vigilantes, or would you rent a car in Canada and drive in?

We have real data points on this:  real experience with real terrorists.  They didn't walk in through Mexico.  They drove in air-conditioned comfort.  They racked up frequent flyer miles.  They had papers.

The next time you hear somebody talk about "securing our borders," notice how the discussion will be entirely focused on Mexican illegal immigration.  No talk of port security.  No talk of building a wall the length of the 49th parallel.  No talk of Saudis arriving in private jets.  Nope.  It's all about those damned Mexicans.  That should give us a hint about the real driving force behind the anti-immigration movement.

It has as much to do with security as Bush's War has to do with terrorism.

It reminds us not only of the existence of incredibly brave people (Elizabeth Eckford, in this case), but it also shows us just how ugly bigotry is (Hazel Bryan, in this case). The year is 1957, and the event is the desegregation of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.

It's my firm opinion that whenever people display bigotry, they should be mocked and ridiculed. Preferably in a public and lasting way. And so in that spirit, I bring you the following letter exchange with C. G. Hammer - one of our local angry bigots.

When Fred McFeely Rogers died back in 2003, I remember thinking about the qualities he exemplified. Every obituary I read said something to the effect that he was exactly the same person in real life. One person I saw interviewed on TV said that when you talked with Fred Rogers, he made you feel as if you were the only other person on earth.

Then I thought about George Bush.

Welcome to the Idaho Falls chapter of DL! We are just getting started, and will have our very first gathering on April 27th. If you are here because of the article in the Post Register, and are interested in helping out, send me and Justin a note at idahofalls@drinkingliberally.org. I started the chapter about two weeks ago, and the article about Moscow's DL chapter was totally coincidental.

You'll notice that this blog is fairly empty at this point. I'm hoping to get some volunteers who would like to help post items of local or national interest. Let me know if that appeals to you. There is also the possibility of setting up a forum as well, if people are interested.

DL is a very low-key and relaxed organization, and the goal is promoting camaraderie and light-hearted fun. No membership dues and no marching around with signs. If you want to give us your email, we'll keep you posted about the next gathering. I really hope you can join us.