Conspiracy theory

I’m sure of it. This could not be a coincidence. Both the internet (notice the small “i” under the new Wireless guidelines of not capitalizing either the internet or the web) and the cable TV suffered a mechanical failure the night of the debate. In the swing-state of Wisconsin no less. Tell me that you believe it to be unintentional, that the CEO of Charter was not twisting the wires somewhere behind the scenes.

You are blogging now. How could you be blogging with an internet breakdown?
The internet was restored, cable TV is still down.

So you missed the debate? A shame…
Oh no, I watched the debate. I had another non-cable TV, one of those ancient miniscule sets, but it was enough. I saw it all. Kerry clearly "won."

Whoaaaa! How can you say that? Don’t you want to know what others concluded? Didn’t you watch any of the post-election analysis?
That’s the trouble with these debates. Your opinion matters not a diddly swat. It’s all in the hands of the media analysts. America will decide on the wrong candidate based on the fact that some crackola after the debate will say that GW sounded in control or whatever.

Isn't it diddly squat?
Don’t skirt the issue. The issue is that immediately after the debate, a CNN poll indicated that 81% of those who watched the debate believed that Kerry “won.” One hour later, that number was down to 79% and plummeting. Now, either the Bush supporters are delayed CNN-readers, or we have people backing down because some jerko pundit offered her or his profoundly annoying observation on how Bush timed his smirks exactly right. Say what you will, I am with JF (here) and his mom in Iowa on this: Kerry did all that he could and he did it well. Anyone who thinks differently – meet me on the front lawn tomorrow at 6:45 a.m. and we’ll fight it out. That’s the proper way, isn’t it? All fists and no BILATERAL negotiations. EVER. Except with Vladimir. Who’s first-pal. And Kvahshnievskee – did I get that right? You know, the top honcho in Poland? The country that wont kick ass (JF terms) but will kiss ass (NC terms) with any current and future leader of this great land?

BTW, to the Polish Australian who linked to my post yesterday – yes, yes, I can agree to disagree, but COME ON! You’re not that down-under! See the light already!

Thirty-fourth street pre-election diary*

what does it say? 34th & eleventh avenue or eleventh hour? 

The great divide: if you follow thirty-fourth street from the Hudson River, beyond 11th avenue (does anyone ever step anywhere near 11th avenue? I saw not a soul), all the way east to the East River, you will see that indeed, there is nothing similar between the two ends of this important artery. (Note headline in today’s NYT: In Debate on Foreign Policy: Wide Gulf or Splitting Hairs?)

Thirty-fourth street: I come to it 34 days prior to November 2nd and on the day of the important debate on foreign policy.

Thirty-fourth street: so quintessentially American! The symbolism is amazing. On the Hudson River end I am facing the pier where ships, bringing immigrants from Europe, once docked. I came on one such ship way back, during my first crossing of the Atlantic in 1960. But look what has happened to the not-too-long-ago prominent United States Lines! Once a link to European nations, now a police outpost and depository for towed vehicles? Our connections to Europe are different now.

The day of the debate.

Not too long ago, this pier was a welcome sight 

Now that's depressing... 

Forget about the Hudson River. Move along, past the cherished symbols: the Empire State Building, Herald Square and the Thanksgiving Day parade, even a lovely view of the Chrysler building.

Here's a symbol that does not offend. 

"Give my regards to Broadway, remember me to Herald Square..." 

34th, in a different light 

And then, after hiking across the entire girth of Manhattan, I am at the East River. Here, looking up toward the Queensborough Bridge, I cannot help but catch the silhouette of the UN. It is in need of a facelift, they say. The building is getting old. I am not a flag person. But I do like the line up of masts standing before it, all 189 plus one, the one with the light blue background and a map of the world enveloped in a wreath of crossed branches of the olive tree.

East River, the UN, as seen from 34th street 

from the ode to the UN: "United Nations on the rise, with flags unfurled, together..." 

I am not exaggerating the great drama of this day and of this street and of this period in history. Really I’m not.

(*see “forty-second street pre-election diary” post, September 22, for explanation of post title)