Fresno Famous

I think I see neptune's view

Stepping back and looking at this, I'm finding a trend that seems sort of shallow and dangerous.

Putting someone into a job, or political office, with the major factor being their race is still racism, (or is still sexism if it's based upon their gender,) or classism (if it's based upon their societal standing.)
Qualifying someone because of their race, standing, sex (or other classification,) is just as wrong as denying someone a position because of those things.
-Is it stupid?
Yes and No.
-It is playing to the crowd, -and if you want to attract voters, one of the easiest ways is to have a candidate that has easily identifiable traits or definitions. (So it is a way to win votes.)
-but it has nothing really to do with presenting and choosing the right person for the job.
It also shows (as a true barometer,) what people look at, and what moves them.
(and it's still wrong.)

I'm hearing a lot of buzz about Bill Moyers being chosen to run for the Greens in 2008. (Apparently Nader is behind him.)
-The weird thing of it is, the folks who are pushing on supporting Moyers are (not,) young, they're (not naieve,) --and have been complaining about 'croni-ism,' on the Right Wing side... '...they're a part of the big machine, they all act and think alike, it's this corporate mindset and capitalist agenda...'
---And they're all freaked out about people handing out jobs and positions based upon idealisms and relationships that have NOTHING to do with the actual performance of the individual. (IE: track Record.)

Now, when they want Moyers in there, what I'm hearing is how he'd be such a great president, -based not on what he's done so far, nor his demonstrated views, and how they are implimented, nor his track record,
(but)
-Basically that he's a well received 'one of the Left.'

-So in other words, it's because 'he's cool with us and we like him.'
It's not about if he really has the skills and ability to do a better job, and has a better plan. (It has nothing to do with anything credible... he's just 'cool and on our team.'
(...nobody realizes that voting for this guy, actually takes away votes from others that may be better suited...)

---More bizarre?
If you make this comment (about going for people who really can and will do the job right, -and are qualified to do so, are better suited,)
---and you do NOT go with somebody like Moyers?
-you are held in suspicion of being 'one of them,' (or) 'not really on our side.'

It's completely illogical and all about 'supporting your team, no matter how dumb their moves are...'

So 'both sides,' are just as guilty.

Idealology is a funny thing.
If you're not careful, you find yourself behind 'the opposite,' force, that just swings the pendulumn back the other way, ---but not really changing the issue... (you turn the merry-go-round the opposite direction, ---but you still go nowhere.)

I thought, since we're so great at pointing out how the Big Republican Machine and Corporate America was so full of monopolies, -that we were supposed to do something different,
----not introduce the same thing, only in our choice of flavor.

In terms of culpability?
If someone follows after something (the Big Machine, Corp. Mind, Monopolies, racism, classism, sexism,)
----but doesn't realize that such a thing is what they are doing, -then they change, ---they've grown and are to be commended for that growth.

-If someone knows all about this,
-already knows that it's wrong, and is blaming others for it,
----and then does the same thing?
They are more wrong,
-are far worse off, far less credible, and even less deserving of attention, support, and are to be trusted even less.

(They also have no excuse for their actions.)

In truth, this is one of the reasons why I don't spend as much time with some groups (in this, and other vicinities,)

-as there is so much that needs to be done,
-and to sit and listen to a bunch of barking, (whether it's from those in suits, or those wearing patchouli,) is a serious waste of time and effort.

I am so happy to see the two

I am so happy to see the two candidates ran a good campaign. It doesn't matter who won or lost. It's about getting together and get the jobs done.

In the next century, there will be all kinds of nationalities running for public offices. The United States is full of all kinds of "colors", not just one color or fewer like a hundred years ago and today.

This country is full of different kind of fruits....so be glad to try all the flavors...you never know which is the best.

It's just the beginning.....

Political Science Students

Hell no he didn't need no stinkin cheese heads. They all follow the herd, the pack

--(.....or should we say like lemmings)--

Had a laugh. No one wanted to go and volunteer for ol Blong. Thought they had one over him.

No. They all teamed up.......like the herd will do

- and just like the her (that they truly are)
have felt the need to ridicule the opposition and their
assesment on their ability(ies) in regards to motivating a classroom of students to heed the call
and join the camp(--aign----)

Politically leukwarm analysis will
get YE

nothing but sorrow and trauma.

So Blong Xiong won the race.

So Blong Xiong won the race. Guess he didn't need that political science class full of volunteers.

It seems to me that

If the goal was to achieve diversity, then it seems to me that diversity just for diversity sake is racisim or sexsism, (depending on the situation), diversity is the reward of a healty community. We should not force it on our government.

City Council District 1

Mr. Xiong's story is admirable and wonderful. As an American I am proud to be a citizen of a nation that allows people to excel.

It is too bad that the the Fresno Bee has to turn his story into a cheap political advertisement. The Bee's decision to have Mr. Xiong on the front page while he is a candidate for city council is just another example of poor taste and timing by the Fresno Bee.

I have tremendous respect for Mr. Xiong and the millions of other immigrants to our great nation. I have disdain and disgust for the Fresno Bee that seems to feel free to use immigrant accomplishments to further their own political agenda. It is an abuse of their role in the community and disrespectful to the accomplishments of Mr. Xiong.

Shame on the Fresno Bee for taking advantage of the accomplishments of such great people.

This is a tough election for

This is a tough election for District one both candidates are nice guys, I though know Scott very well, and his grasp goes well beyond the tower, and if I wanted my voice heard in the wacky world of city council I know Scott is the best choice to deliver our view. He will command more respect from the other concilmembers, and will be a great force in getting things moving (he is one of those guys who can get things done and still keep everybody happy)

Blongs story is a wonderful one, but when it comes down to being effective, Scott Miller is a better choice in my opinion.

As having seen Xiong's

As having seen Xiong's campaign in action, he doesn't need to ask for volunteers since they come to him. Miller's big events equal what Xiong's campaign does normally most days.
The good thing about both of them is that they both genuinely care about the community and trying to improve it. I'm leaning towards Xiong, because he knows district one is more than just the 'tower' area.

Since when has any newspaper

Since when has any newspaper been fair and honest? Newspapers feed on power and the ability to be biased and mold opinions.

yes exactly

The airwaves (broadcast) are considered "public domain" which is why the fairness doctrine applies, not so for cable, print. Also "publicly" not "publically" sorry!

Fact alert

The Bee is in fact owned by the publicly traded McClatchy Corporation. According to Wikipedia, the equal time rule applies to broadcast, not print (see also fairness doctrine).

Admirable, BUT....

If the coverage the Bee gave Blong was airtime, I think (according to the "Equal Time" or fairness rule)-the other candidate is offered the same time and same coverage. But, because the Bee is not publically owned they can print a "Valentine" story on Blong Xiong without giving "equal time" or coverage to Scott Miller. Any station who airs Miller is required to offer equal time to Blong Xiong. So as for the "numbers" the Bee will have much more impact because it is free press, and has more credibility than paid avertising-its called public relations.
I am a student specializing in PR and studying political campaigns. I would guess the story was "pitched" by Blong's savvy political campaign manager.
BTW I am volunteering for Miller-I heard both candidates speak as part of the aforementioned class-many students who heard them both speak have volunteered for Miller's campaign. None volunteered to work on Blong Xiong's campaign.

candidates! election!!

i'm voting for both of them cuz it's so exciting

Scott Miller still has my vote

well...if I lived in the city limits !

Miller took time out of his own personal life to
help us pull off the first two Rock of the Tower
events. He also has been a help as we try to
launch the new (and even better ) #3!
A councilman that doesn't just talk, but gets his
back into supporting the arts in the Tower?
Man, that's a guy you need.

Vote Decided!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am voting for Blong because the article was so good. I'm sure he didn't ask for free coverage, but he can't be complaining. And how to the numbers stack up when you compare the Bee exposure with Scott Miller on the air?

Nice campaign ad

I don't live in District 1, but as an outside observer both candidates seem well fit to serve in that Council seat.

However, that Bee piece yesterday did ring like a great campaign ad for Xiong.

Wonder if the Bee's planning on a big front page piece on Miller too. Doubt it.

Scott Miller this week on 'Move On Up'

Scott Miller will be on the 'Move On Up' show this Friday 7-8pm on 88.1 FM