Drive-by pontification
(1) If I were prone to exaggeration, I’d say that I’ve eaten in Joe’s Place, the soon-to-be closed downtown Raleigh eatery, at least a million times. In reality it’s been considerably fewer than that, but I’ve been there often enough to have a favorite booth (third one from the back) and to have hatched many a scheme over lunch. For a countless number of downtown workers, Joe’s served the same function as Monk’s did for the “Seinfeld” crew. It was the default choice for a meal or gathering spot, and when you’d settled on a favored item you could count on it being on the menu forever. (Mine was the all-you-can-eat vegetable plate, which I always ordered with mashed potatoes, green beans, black-eyed peas and sliced tomatoes. Always.) I once had a prolonged discussion with a coworker about whether the vegetable plate at Joe’s or Big Ed’s was better, and I fear the day will come when both are only a memory. Sadly, we’re halfway there.
(2) Former president Bill Clinton was in town yesterday to give a speech on the increased need for public service, in which he said: “I don’t think it’s good enough anymore to define your citizenship by being a good, honest worker and a taxpayer and someone who votes.” Actually, that seems like a perfectly serviceable definition of citizenship, and it’s odd that it would be belittled by a fellow who’s had problems being either good or honest. But if Clinton wants to encourage public service, maybe he ought to point out how much money somebody can make afterwards.
(3) It’s hard not to have some grudging admiration for Illinois governor Rod R. Blagojevich, whose impeachment trial started yesterday in his absence. After having been caught on audiotape saying things that were unmistakably craven, conniving and (as a federal prosecutor alleges) outright criminal, Blagojevich has now launched a publicity tour in which he likens himself to Nelson Mandela and Gandhi. Too bad the feds didn’t still have the wiretaps running when the governor test-marketed that line with his pals: “I’m a freakin’ Gandhi, I tell you! What’d that diaper-wearing chrome dome do for people that I haven’t done?” This kind of delusional self-aggrandizement isn’t an everyday occurrence, and I feel privileged to watch it unfold.
January 27th, 2009 at 8:05 am
Do I read this correctly? You have “grudging admiration” for “delusional self-aggrandizement”?
January 27th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Joe’s has the best vegetable plate, hands down! However, Big Ed’s takes the cake for breakfast.
That is a shame - it is probably one of the best places to eat in downtown Raleigh.
January 27th, 2009 at 10:19 am
Bill Clinton telling me how to be an honorable citizen is sort of like Baby-Faced Nelson telling me to always balance my checkbook — as he’s robbing the bank.
January 27th, 2009 at 10:24 am
In some alternate universe all the networks and news organizations would have told him “Thanks, but no thanks. We’ll talk to you after the trials.”
If he thinks the impeachment process is so unfair, why didn’t he work to change it?
Who’s going to be surprised when his attorney starts talking about a tainted jury pool?
Joy Behar seemed to have the best line. She asked him to do his Nixon impersonation — I am not a crook!
January 27th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Questioner: Yes, I suppose this deserves clarification. My “grudging admiration” is for the scale, audacity and shamelessness of Blagojevich’s effort to defend himself. It’s a rare treat to watch someone seek to convince the world that what was heard wasn’t actually said.
January 27th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
1. I agree about Joe’s Place. The service people were great also, and I hope some other eatery snaps them up.
2. It’s obvious you don’t like Bill Clinton, but do you believe that his past actions completely overshadow any insight or validity in his speeches today. I think what he says has validity.
3. Blagojevich is likely going to be found guilty. However, I certainly hope that the prosecution can present evidence that he DID something to follow-up on his strongly worded statements about getting something for the Senate position. ‘Cause if all there is in the case is that he said these things, yet never asked for anything in return for the Senator appointment, then he is innocent in my view. That innocence doesn’t mean that I approve or like the man. I don’t.
January 27th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
When Bill Clinton encourages you to do as he has not done it’s hard to keep from laughing. Just remember that Monica was involved in public “service”.
January 27th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
I am stunned at the audacity of Blagojevich. The dude’s got balls, that’s for sure.
January 27th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
“grudging admiration” for “delusional self-aggrandizement”
if that’s the case, it would make you a closet fan of some of those who regularly contribute here.
January 27th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
GD - thanks for the clarification. I totally agree - especially when it comes to scale. How totally bizarro. Do you think he really lives in an alternate universe?
NotThatImportant - ROTFLOL
January 28th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Blago is using the same defense as the man who is caught red handed by his wife, in bed, with another woman…”honey are you going to believe me or your lyin’ eyes!” Politicians used to retire and slither back under the rock when they got caught, now they go on “The View” or Heraldo