Monday, August 30, 2004
UPJ Protest March
Well yesterday, waking slowly in a Gin induced haze (my girlfriend & I went to our friend's wedding the evening before) we geared up to meet our fellow protest crew at the designated meeting spot at Columbus Circle. Our group about 16 strong then headed to the UPJ march entry point on 7th Ave. and 14th St. From there we rotted in the sun for about an hour and a half until the march actually commenced. [Note: As I'm stilling having technical difficulties, I cannot (yet) post pictures but check out callalillie for her great photos of the march.] The crowds were teeming with people of all sizes, ages, races, and dispositions. Many were in costume, some were socialists, some were radicals, but perhaps the fair majority were just regular folks, like me, who wanted to visibly express their indignation with the policies of the Bush Administration. It was a long day — though I confess we only marched from 14th Street to 34th Street. That portion of the march took just under 4 hours! Our small group (now only 7 strong) had the march truncated since (a) we were all tired, hungover, and sunburned; (b) the march was temporarily halted because someone set their Green Dragon float on fire; and (c) we were hungry and wanted a beer. We all escaped via subway to an Irish Pub to discuss politics and the march. We agreed that despite the few idiots in the crowd, it was very peaceful and a great event. Since this was my first large-scale rally/protest I was hoping for some meaningful insight into the event. Frankly, I came away with the notion that we live in a truly divided land. Sure, I live in the bastion of liberalism (that has become the unwitting host for the RNC), which was pretty much reflected in the varying agendas of the marchers. However, there are still millions (perhaps half the country) that are for Bush and the Neo-cons. The few counter-protesters that I saw were a rather timid bunch. But in the next few days as the convention gets into full swing, I look forward to the rhetoric, lies, and propaganda coming out of the convention and Fox News. I still think there must be some bridge of issues to reach out across the aisle and work with the Republicans. But for now, from what I witnessed yesterday, that bridge may be a bridge too far.
Friday, August 27, 2004
What's the Matter with the New York Times?
Listening to Air America Radio this morning discussing the interview of George W. Bush by the NY Times I listened in disbelief. Then I read the interview and saw that the opening line was that Bush
As if we aren't already tired of this (discredited) story. But then, in the 5th paragraph of the article — for the first time ever
How come this revelation didn't make the headline?? Boy those NY Times editors sure got the heads up their asses. Don't want to piss the President (or Karl Rove) off otherwise they'll stop talking to us. Ummm. Hmmmm. Let's see how many interviews has the Times done with Bush. Zero?? Could the Times be anymore cut off? Nice job fellas.
[D]id not believe Senator John Kerry lied about his war record, but he declined to condemn the television commercial paid for by a veterans group alleging that Mr. Kerry came by his war medals dishonestly.
As if we aren't already tired of this (discredited) story. But then, in the 5th paragraph of the article — for the first time ever
Mr. Bush also acknowledged for the first time that he made a "miscalculation of what the conditions would be'' in postwar Iraq. But he insisted that the 17-month-long insurgency that has upended the administration's plans for the country was the unintended by-product of a "swift victory'' against Saddam Hussein's military, which fled and then disappeared into the cities, enabling them to mount a rebellion against the American forces far faster than Mr. Bush and his aides had anticipated.
How come this revelation didn't make the headline?? Boy those NY Times editors sure got the heads up their asses. Don't want to piss the President (or Karl Rove) off otherwise they'll stop talking to us. Ummm. Hmmmm. Let's see how many interviews has the Times done with Bush. Zero?? Could the Times be anymore cut off? Nice job fellas.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Navy Records Support John Kerry's Story
I haven't weighed in on this debate at TBP, but this report by MSNBC Online indicates that U.S. Navy records appear to support Kerry's version of the circumstances in which he won his military awards. I find it hard to believe that any of the committed voters at this point will be swayed away from their already made up decision of who to cast a ballot for. The great "uncommitted middle" surely can't be that stupid either and believe the crap that the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth (sic) are dispelling. Can they??
R.N.C. Protest
With so much going on in the next few days in anticipation of the Republican National Convention in N.Y.C., it will be very interesting to see what transpires at these events. I really hope all the events will be peaceful, meaningful expressions. Sadly, I'm sure there will be the ignorant cells of "anarchists" who's acts of destruction will steal away the litany of legitimate messages that will be on display throughout the next week. My friends and I will be attending the United for Peace and Justice March on Sunday. I plan on taking many photos and describing what I see, here on The Bushwick Papers. If you are planning to protest sometime this week, a great legal resource for preparation is the National Lawyers Guild. There are links to all sorts of information including what your rights are and things to bring with you if you protest.
For the record, I am not protesting the act of the Republican Convention in it self. My beef is many faceted. Primarily, I am appalled that the Republican leaders have chosen N.Y.C. as the site for this year's Convention in order to shroud themselves in the afterglow of 9-11. While they have scaled back all the original proposed events (including Bush visiting Ground Zero before he accepts the nomination), the fact that they are still holding it here is too close for my taste. Moreover, I am protesting the hypocrisy ("the economy is strong") of the Administration (e.g., Bush claiming that he's a "uniter, not a divider") and degradation of our civil rights and the deplorable state of American foreign policy. 4 more years would be intolerable. Anyway, that's my abridged reason for protesting. I close with a quote that will be bandied about frequently in the following days:
For the record, I am not protesting the act of the Republican Convention in it self. My beef is many faceted. Primarily, I am appalled that the Republican leaders have chosen N.Y.C. as the site for this year's Convention in order to shroud themselves in the afterglow of 9-11. While they have scaled back all the original proposed events (including Bush visiting Ground Zero before he accepts the nomination), the fact that they are still holding it here is too close for my taste. Moreover, I am protesting the hypocrisy ("the economy is strong") of the Administration (e.g., Bush claiming that he's a "uniter, not a divider") and degradation of our civil rights and the deplorable state of American foreign policy. 4 more years would be intolerable. Anyway, that's my abridged reason for protesting. I close with a quote that will be bandied about frequently in the following days:
Bill of Rights
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Monday, August 23, 2004
Iraq Bound
My brother is shipping out tomorrow morning for Iraq. As I have noted in other posts, he is a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Marine Corps based with the 1st Marine Division out of Camp Pendleton, San Diego, California. We spoke last night, just for a little bit since he still had a lot of loose ends to tie up. He's a man of few words, but he did acknowledge that he's both excited and scared about what he'll experience over there. My understanding is that he'll only be there for 7 to 8 months — which is fine by my family. He'll be attached to an HQ company as the logistics officer for his battalion. I hope that means he'll not be exposed to too much enemy contact. My brother is rather apolitical and joined up for mostly for the adventure, camaraderie, and to be part of something bigger than himself. I hope he finds what he's looking for. May he (as well as the rest of our troops) get home safe and soon.
Friday, August 20, 2004
Blogger Hell
Ever since that damn new Blogger NavBar appeared, I have been having a horrendous time trying to repair the style problems it has caused with my template (see above). I have tried 1000 things using CSS and HTML all to no avail. The solution is likely something so simple and stupid. Grrrrrrrrr. Sadly my programming skills are pretty low.
Monday, August 16, 2004
Motor Vehicle Inspection — State Operated Scam
The great misfortune that was the beginning of my weekend, was that I decided to get my scrappy 'lil shitbox of a car inspected at the thieving gas station/repair shop near home. The problem was that I had let the old inspection expire, so I was a bit desperate. I figured I'd zip on over to the garage early Friday morning, drop off the car (why I need to drop the car off is beyond me when the process takes about 15 minutes) grab breakfast, rot for an hour, come back, pay the fee ($37 in New York), retrieve the car and be off to work in Connecticut. But that was not to be.
I (well, my car) failed the NY State inspection. It turns out the problem was with my front pipe: it was rusted out and leaking exhaust. But I passed every other part of the inspection. OK. So, I'll just get the front pipe replaced? Right? Wrong. You see because I just had to buy a Daewoo, the front pipe is part of an entire one piece exhaust/anti-pollution system that has to be replaced together. I had my Dad do a little research for me — to get a new unit it could cost upwards of $750! But, my Daewoo is only worth about $1000. Oh well, F*ck you, pay me! The oh so kind garage man (Gunay), smiling at the news of my failure (I guess his kids are going to college after all!) called around to find out which parts dealer has the obscure Daewoo part. Turns out that Gunay was useless. He never got back to me with an estimate of repairs (I had since gone home to figure out what to do and call in "sick" to work). Moreover, he couldn't do the job nor could he fix it so that I could pass the inspection (75% of the time the car sits in a garage; it's my station vehicle). So after having a nice sandwich of ham cappy and provelone, I called the local Meineke Car Care Centers. What a shady outfit. I told the mechanic (Alex) my problem and what I wanted to do. "Sure, sure we can help, bring her down," said Alex. In Brooklyn along 4th Avenue every other shop is an auto repair or auto related store (or chop shop). Alex puts my Daewoo on the lift, and I can see the damage. So miniscule it was. Alex explains that the exhaust system is "a very expensive one" because of the "flex pipes" (Damn Daewoo engineers!), perhaps around $500/$600. "Look, I just want this to pass the inspection, I'm gonna blow the car up in a year." Alex replied "Well, we can take out the front flex pipe and weld in a new one for $190." "$190?" "Yeah, $190." Hmm, I thought, doing the quick cost/benefit analysis one usually does in these on-the-spot moments. "Do it," I said. And that was it. For about $10 a minute, Alex fixed the problem, and the car passed its inspection when I went back to Gunay (though he charged me an additional $20 to do the re-inspection. Gunay explained, to my outrage, that he "made no money on the deal since he didn't do the repairs." Whatever, state-licensed scam man. Net net, I got off cheap. For about $260 (and only 1 missed day of work) I got my car inspected, fixed (it runs quieter now), and have learned a few lessons:
First, when you are poor (relatively speaking), you get screwed more often than the jet-set class. With the built-in obsolesence of most products, second-hand means second-rate; you might save in the initial purchase, but in the long run, you'll pay out your blow hole. Second, the NYS Inspection System has established a cottage industry of state sanctioned con-artistry. The inspection stations run your motor vehicle through this sophisticated, expensive system to insure a vehicle is deemed "safe" and compliance with federal pollution regulations. (Gee, I though all cars manufactured or imported already have to comply with safety standards?!) When you fail, which many older cars inevitably do, the repair shop/inspection station gets to run up a repair bill ($75/hour for labor alone) that could bankrupt a small nation. Moreover, every 12 months motor vehicles have to go through this procedure. What a crock-of-sh*t. Finally, I learned that in order to comply with the law, I had to break it. Sure, according the the rules I was supposed to get a new exhaust system — even though my car didn't truly need a new one. So in order to pass the inspection, while not having to forego rent, I was forced to pull a shim-sham. I can't wait until next year.
I (well, my car) failed the NY State inspection. It turns out the problem was with my front pipe: it was rusted out and leaking exhaust. But I passed every other part of the inspection. OK. So, I'll just get the front pipe replaced? Right? Wrong. You see because I just had to buy a Daewoo, the front pipe is part of an entire one piece exhaust/anti-pollution system that has to be replaced together. I had my Dad do a little research for me — to get a new unit it could cost upwards of $750! But, my Daewoo is only worth about $1000. Oh well, F*ck you, pay me! The oh so kind garage man (Gunay), smiling at the news of my failure (I guess his kids are going to college after all!) called around to find out which parts dealer has the obscure Daewoo part. Turns out that Gunay was useless. He never got back to me with an estimate of repairs (I had since gone home to figure out what to do and call in "sick" to work). Moreover, he couldn't do the job nor could he fix it so that I could pass the inspection (75% of the time the car sits in a garage; it's my station vehicle). So after having a nice sandwich of ham cappy and provelone, I called the local Meineke Car Care Centers. What a shady outfit. I told the mechanic (Alex) my problem and what I wanted to do. "Sure, sure we can help, bring her down," said Alex. In Brooklyn along 4th Avenue every other shop is an auto repair or auto related store (or chop shop). Alex puts my Daewoo on the lift, and I can see the damage. So miniscule it was. Alex explains that the exhaust system is "a very expensive one" because of the "flex pipes" (Damn Daewoo engineers!), perhaps around $500/$600. "Look, I just want this to pass the inspection, I'm gonna blow the car up in a year." Alex replied "Well, we can take out the front flex pipe and weld in a new one for $190." "$190?" "Yeah, $190." Hmm, I thought, doing the quick cost/benefit analysis one usually does in these on-the-spot moments. "Do it," I said. And that was it. For about $10 a minute, Alex fixed the problem, and the car passed its inspection when I went back to Gunay (though he charged me an additional $20 to do the re-inspection. Gunay explained, to my outrage, that he "made no money on the deal since he didn't do the repairs." Whatever, state-licensed scam man. Net net, I got off cheap. For about $260 (and only 1 missed day of work) I got my car inspected, fixed (it runs quieter now), and have learned a few lessons:
First, when you are poor (relatively speaking), you get screwed more often than the jet-set class. With the built-in obsolesence of most products, second-hand means second-rate; you might save in the initial purchase, but in the long run, you'll pay out your blow hole. Second, the NYS Inspection System has established a cottage industry of state sanctioned con-artistry. The inspection stations run your motor vehicle through this sophisticated, expensive system to insure a vehicle is deemed "safe" and compliance with federal pollution regulations. (Gee, I though all cars manufactured or imported already have to comply with safety standards?!) When you fail, which many older cars inevitably do, the repair shop/inspection station gets to run up a repair bill ($75/hour for labor alone) that could bankrupt a small nation. Moreover, every 12 months motor vehicles have to go through this procedure. What a crock-of-sh*t. Finally, I learned that in order to comply with the law, I had to break it. Sure, according the the rules I was supposed to get a new exhaust system — even though my car didn't truly need a new one. So in order to pass the inspection, while not having to forego rent, I was forced to pull a shim-sham. I can't wait until next year.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Al Qaeda & the Madrid Bombings
A few days ago I finally got around to reading a recent New Yorker article on the Madrid Commuter Train Bombings. I commend it to all; it's a facinating piece and it'll scare the crap out of you.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Professor Bush on Sovereign Tribes
Since my move I haven't had reliable or regular internet service (Damn Verizon!), thus explaining the lack of posts. Tonight I hope to be up and running.
In the meantime, the NY Times reports that George W. Bush is heading out west to campaign. However, they note that Bush Leaves Behind Giggling Democrats as He Hits Trail. In the article there is a link to an audio of W answering a journalist's question on what he thinks about Native American tribal sovereignty in the 21st century (clearly a big issue in many of the states he'll be visiting this week). The answer is priceless.
In the meantime, the NY Times reports that George W. Bush is heading out west to campaign. However, they note that Bush Leaves Behind Giggling Democrats as He Hits Trail. In the article there is a link to an audio of W answering a journalist's question on what he thinks about Native American tribal sovereignty in the 21st century (clearly a big issue in many of the states he'll be visiting this week). The answer is priceless.
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Monday, August 02, 2004
U-Brawl
Let the record reflect, my moving experience did not go well. At all. I'll be detailing this saga tomorrow.
ADDENDUM, Aug. 3, 2004.
Carting one's sh*t from one abode to another is never fun. This is especially so in New York City where parking in front of your building is always a nightmare and the expense of renting a moving truck is sky high. To top it off, this move (leaving Chelsea to go to Park Slope) makes my 11th move (not counting college). Not to mention the countless times I assisted others in their moving endeavors. I generally have not had problems with the truck rental companies. Although each time I did rent from them, there was always a livid customer in the store shouting with the manager over some mess up. This was now my time for pain. Recognizing that my move will coincide with the end of the month, I booked my 14' U-Haul truck about a month in advance. I confirmed the pick up and time (Sat., July 31st, 8 AM) a week in advance. I even called 24 hours before to re-confirm. I even got to the location early 7:25 AM. I did what I was supposed to do. What is inexplicable to me is how they still screw you anyway. The "they" being U-Haul. At the U-Haul Center of Chelsea I entered Dante's Inferno. Despite all my assurances that the truck would be available for me at my reservation time, U-Haul branch manager, Sandy Singh, informed me that my reservation was for 3:30 PM that afternoon "Because that's what the computer says!" Attempting to inform her that "no, I have an 8 AM reservation" I began to feel all eyes in the place on me (there were about 30 people on line waiting for their trucks). Sandy Singh then blasted me to go away and come back at 3:30 PM. We went back and forth but to no avail. I felt so powerless. She simply yelled "NEXT!" and I was history. There was another woman in the place who also had the same dilemma. According to my sister-in-law not only has this happened to her before, but it happens all the time with U-Haul. It must be a pattern and practice of over-booking reservations and then randomly bumping people. Jeez! What the hell was I going to do? I had my brother (coming in from Connecticut) and my roommate and girlfriend were all coming to help me that morning. They (as was I) were expecting to be done at 3:30 PM. I called the 1-800 number to find out what happened to my reservation. Apparently, I was told, someone at the 23rd Street Branch changed my reservation from 8 AM to 3:30 PM. The operator could tell me who. So I went back into see Sandy Singh and tell her this new revelation. We got into another screaming match with her denying that anyone changed the reservation. I felt like choking her, which is eventually why I left. It was 8:05 AM. Meanwhile, I had to sit and rot for 6 hours until, my unscheduled reservation time. The day was already getting long. It was also, to date, the hottest, most humid day of the Summer. Other fun: my car was towed by the NYC Traffic Violations Bureau. I had to pay $185 to retrieve it (and I got a $65 ticket). When I eventually moved, we didn't finish until almost 9 PM. It cost me $125 + $31 in gas. Miserable. I plan on writing to U-Haul to try and get some money back. In the meantime, take my advice, if you gotta move on your own, DON"T USE U-HAUL.
ADDENDUM, Aug. 3, 2004.
Carting one's sh*t from one abode to another is never fun. This is especially so in New York City where parking in front of your building is always a nightmare and the expense of renting a moving truck is sky high. To top it off, this move (leaving Chelsea to go to Park Slope) makes my 11th move (not counting college). Not to mention the countless times I assisted others in their moving endeavors. I generally have not had problems with the truck rental companies. Although each time I did rent from them, there was always a livid customer in the store shouting with the manager over some mess up. This was now my time for pain. Recognizing that my move will coincide with the end of the month, I booked my 14' U-Haul truck about a month in advance. I confirmed the pick up and time (Sat., July 31st, 8 AM) a week in advance. I even called 24 hours before to re-confirm. I even got to the location early 7:25 AM. I did what I was supposed to do. What is inexplicable to me is how they still screw you anyway. The "they" being U-Haul. At the U-Haul Center of Chelsea I entered Dante's Inferno. Despite all my assurances that the truck would be available for me at my reservation time, U-Haul branch manager, Sandy Singh, informed me that my reservation was for 3:30 PM that afternoon "Because that's what the computer says!" Attempting to inform her that "no, I have an 8 AM reservation" I began to feel all eyes in the place on me (there were about 30 people on line waiting for their trucks). Sandy Singh then blasted me to go away and come back at 3:30 PM. We went back and forth but to no avail. I felt so powerless. She simply yelled "NEXT!" and I was history. There was another woman in the place who also had the same dilemma. According to my sister-in-law not only has this happened to her before, but it happens all the time with U-Haul. It must be a pattern and practice of over-booking reservations and then randomly bumping people. Jeez! What the hell was I going to do? I had my brother (coming in from Connecticut) and my roommate and girlfriend were all coming to help me that morning. They (as was I) were expecting to be done at 3:30 PM. I called the 1-800 number to find out what happened to my reservation. Apparently, I was told, someone at the 23rd Street Branch changed my reservation from 8 AM to 3:30 PM. The operator could tell me who. So I went back into see Sandy Singh and tell her this new revelation. We got into another screaming match with her denying that anyone changed the reservation. I felt like choking her, which is eventually why I left. It was 8:05 AM. Meanwhile, I had to sit and rot for 6 hours until, my unscheduled reservation time. The day was already getting long. It was also, to date, the hottest, most humid day of the Summer. Other fun: my car was towed by the NYC Traffic Violations Bureau. I had to pay $185 to retrieve it (and I got a $65 ticket). When I eventually moved, we didn't finish until almost 9 PM. It cost me $125 + $31 in gas. Miserable. I plan on writing to U-Haul to try and get some money back. In the meantime, take my advice, if you gotta move on your own, DON"T USE U-HAUL.
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