In keeping with Other Side’s scatter-gun approach to things, which inevitably leads to falling behind on other ‘chores,’ we hereby recommend a few reading items for interested followers.
The first is aimed at those who are aware of the ‘post-partisan’ mantras of the day, and the suggestion that polite discourse is the way to deal with the fundamental issues of governance, especially when they relate to having others provide what you want via government action.
I could say that nothing surprises me these days, but that would be a lie. As cynical and distraught as I may be over the societal re-engineering taking place in response to identity groups and special interests, not a week goes by that I don’t come across something even more disturbing.
Here’s some great examples from the Midwest Academy, which in their own words:
advances movements for progressive social change by teaching strategic, rigorous, results-oriented approach to social action and organization building. The Academy provides training (introductory and advanced) and consulting, equipping organizers, leaders, and their organizations to think and act strategically to win justice for all.
If you go here, you’ll find links to two excerpts from their training material. Read the first, and you will quickly see that this is Chicago style, baseball bat politics. Can you say “community organizing” boys and girls?
And you can ponder what “justice for all” means in this context. I’m very clear on what they mean, but this isn’t ‘my first rodeo.’
By comparison, Brunswick town council meetings are a throwback to the stone age. Here’s a passage that sets the tone for the modern take on community ‘activism:’
An accountability session is not simply a community "speak out" or legislator's town meeting, although the community does speak out, and the official is invited to speak briefly. It is a much more rehearsed and controlled event, but the real difference is that it is a big show of organizational power. It is your organization's event and there is no reason to present the other side or give time to opposing opinions.
You’ll really be impressed by the “Marques of Queensbury” sense of formality and propriety that pervades their thinking.
Moving on to another source, I stumbled upon an “interesting” treatise on Maine economic growth. It comes out of “GrowSmart Maine,” the origin of the ‘quality of place’ bumper sticker concept. In reality, unless you are talking about art galleries and selected other icons, they should be known as “GrowNot Maine.”
Read this item critically, and you will find all sorts of discontinuities and absurdities. I make no apologies for my views on such ramblings; ‘advocacy’ in Maine is dominated by those who live in a dream world where the realities of life here on earth are mere annoyances on the way to utopia.
Gobbledygook, balderdash, and yes, even poppycock, are the order of the day from such non-profits, who believe it or not make their living shoveling out this manure. And most of their income comes from various government entities, either directly or indirectly.
See if you recognize pure bravo sierra in this passage:
Today, though, there’s an exciting new approach to economic development taking hold across the state. Maine’s six regional economic development districts are now undertaking a new initiative, called Mobilize Maine, focused on engaging local leaders to identify their region’s most promising economic advantages, and what can be done to build on them.
Instead of a top-down approach, Mobilize Maine seeks to create a grassroots, bottom-up strategy, by engaging local business leaders. And instead of focusing on shortcomings and needs, Mobilize Maine seeks to create an “asset-based” economic development strategy that will build on our existing strengths.
The prosecution rests, your honor.
No comments:
Post a Comment