Big News Week: “Irrelevant, Desperate, Political Bigotry”

by John Dankosky – Let’s recap a bit of the news Where We Live got into here this week, before previewing a strange couple of days ahead:

• Somebody at the campaign of Jim Himes spent some time listening to our Where We Vote interviews with their candidate, and Republican Dan Debicella.  They pulled out a passage in which I repeatedly ask Debicella about global warming, and he continues to say my question is “irrelevant.”  First, Himes put out a full press release with the text of this exchange, then it came up during their final debate, as Uma Ramiah reports in the Connecticut Mirror.  A new poll by CT Capitol Report has Debicella beating Himes by two points.  We’ll see if this obvious gulf on environmental issues is enough to get Democrats excited to go to the polls in the 4th district.

Martha Dean. Serious about suit. - photo by Chion Wolf

• Mark Pazniokas of the Connecticut Mirror came by on Thursday to witness a very strange joint appearance by Republican Martha Dean and Democrat George Jepsen.  The “conversation” had been scheduled for more than a month, and was almost scuttled because of a lawsuit Dean filed earlier in the week, challenging Jepsen’s qualifications.  When it finally happened, the tension was pretty apparent, with Dean defending her actions as necessary, not an “October surprise.”  Jepsen claiming the suit was frivolous and “desperate.”   There’s still no resolution to the suit as of today, and there’s no love lost between the two.

 

• Where We Live also made the pages of the Torrington Register Citizen, in an opinion piece by Green Party 1st District congressional candidate, Ken Krayeske.  Listeners to the show will know Ken as a regular caller, and a smart, thoughtful activist.  He’s also good at getting noticed – witness his dust-ups with Gov. Jodi Rell and UConn basketball coach Jim Calhoun.  In his piece, he expresses feelings that WNPR, and the rest of the media has been ignoring candidates who aren’t Democrats or Republicans.   Read his thoughts, and let me know what you think.

Monday’s show will recap a madcap Halloween weekend of political happenings. Catie Talarski is covering Glenn Beck’s book signing in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square, Diane Orson will be trailing President Obama in Bridgeport, and Josie Holtzman will report back from Jon Stewart’s “Rally To Restore Sanity” in Washington, DC.  We’ll also be joined by Faith Middleton for a preview of her upcoming “Up Close and Personal” interviews with the gubernatorial candidates.  Ever wonder what Dan Malloy likes to make for dinner?  What Tom Foley’s first kiss was like?  Oh yeah, it’s that kinda personal.

 

Today’s Where We Vote: Tom Foley And The Budget

by John Dankosky – So here we are. Less than a week before election day, and the race for governor is down to a five point lead for Democrat Dan Malloy over Republican Tom Foley.

Today, on Where We Live, Foley gets the last chance to make his case on our air, and will answer calls from listeners.  If it’s anything like last night’s debate on NBC Connecticut, we’ll be talking about how to close a nearly $3.3 billion hole in the state budget.

Foley will likely say that he’ll do it without increasing taxes.  We’ll try to get specifics on where he hopes to find the savings, and how he projects such a “rosy” bump in revenues during a still-struggling economy.

As Keith Phaneuf (our budget guru) reported in The Connecticut Mirror, Foley has repeatedly said, ”I don’t need to provide a list of those savings” needed if the revenue growth doesn’t develop, since “it’s totally implausible that we’re not going to get more money from the federal government.”

So, we’ll talk about the federal government’s role in bailing out states, and take your questions.  860-275-7266, emails wherewelive@wnpr.org, tweets @wherewelive, starting at 9am ET.

What’s Coming Up!

By Catie Talarski

Getting back into the swing of things here in the newsroom.  Coming up, we’ll be hearing a lot from candidates as we get closer to the midterm elections.  This week:

MONDAY: Retirement

More and more Americans say they anticipate a working retirement, thanks to the recession but also driven by changing attitudes and the simple, slightly problematic fact that people are living longer and longer.  So, do we raise taxes, cut Social Security benefits, or increase the retirement age?  None of those options seem ideal.  Or could retirement working be a positive thing?  A second chance to pursue a new career, to get creative?  Coming up, a conversation on retirement.  Join us!

TUESDAY: The Business Climate

Connecticut is often denigrated as a state with an unfriendly business climate. We have high taxes, high wages and high costs, we’re told, and that’s driving jobs out of the state. But has anyone ever really put these assumptions to the test? Today we’re joined by an economist who’s compiled actual data to model Connecticut’s business climate, and by a representative of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association who’ll assess how the state really stacks up against the competition.

WEDNESDAY: Where We Vote – Tom Foley

Continuing our Where We Vote conversations with a chance to call-in and ask questions to Republican Gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley.

THURSDAY: Where We Vote – Attorney General Debate

Attorney General candidates Martha Dean and George Jepsen join us in studio for a Where We Vote debate, answering your questions.

FRIDAY: TBA

It’s a surprise!

Juan Williams: “A Very Controversial Person”

by John Dankosky – On a recent flight to Denver, I struck up conversation with an airline employee who asked about my business there.  When I mentioned public radio, the first thing I heard was, “I love Juan Williams.”  The employee knew the long-time NPR analyst from his work on the Fox News program, “The O’Reilly Factor.” Other that this connection, I could tell…he was not a fan of public radio.

That relationship got Williams – and NPR – introduced to a lot of people who view Fox as their main source for news.  It’s also what got him kicked off the network. Here’s the comment in question: O’Reilly asked Williams to talk about the idea that the U.S. is facing a dilemma with Muslims.

Williams responded: “Look, Bill, I’m not a bigot. You know the kind of books I’ve written about the civil rights movement in this country. But when I get on the plane, I got to tell you, if I see people who are in Muslim garb and I think, you know, they are identifying themselves first and foremost as Muslims, I get worried. I get nervous.”

According to NPR, this statement violated a key section of the network’s ethics code: “In appearing on TV or other media including electronic Web-based forums, NPR journalists  should not express views they would not air in their role as an NPR journalist.”

But this isn’t a case of “one strike and you’re out.”  According to the memo released by Vivian Schiller, President and CEO of NPR, “this isn’t the first time we have had serious concerns about some of Juan’s public comments.  Despite many conversations and warnings over the years, Juan has continued to violate this principal.”

This is similar to what NPR Ombudsman Alicia Shepard  told me when she appeared on Where We Live September 7th.  She said that both Williams and National Political Correspondent Mara Liasson have been in violation of this policy on other occasions, and have been asked by NPR to reconsider their work as analysts on Fox.  According to Shepard, Liasson told NPR “she believes she’s entitled to go on there (Fox).”

“I think it absolutely creates a perception problem,” Shepard said of Williams’ 50/50 role with the two networks.  “I feel that, in an ideal world, Juan Williams would choose one or another,” she told me.

Shepard said that, at times, the ongoing controversy over Williams’ role on Fox has made her feel like the “Ombudsman for Fox News.”

The content of Williams’ statement notwithstanding, the continued presence of the two NPR veterans on Fox presents another perception problem for NPR: That it’s being used by the unabashedly conservative Fox network to “balance” its ranks of commentators.  Now, with Williams’ dismissal, that problem (partially) dissolves.  It’s replaced by this:

Please know that I and my extended network of family and friends will not give a dime to NPR until Vivian Schiller has formally apologized to Juan Williams and is gone from the network.

I wanted to think that NPR is an organization that is not afraid to present different ponts of view on the stories that it produces. With the firing of Juan Williams for expressing a point of view that I too hold is totally out of order.

Just want to say that while I have made contributions to NPR in the past, I will no longer, having heard that Juan Williams was terminated for expressing an honest common-sense opinion.

Those are just three of many comments I’ve gotten from angry listeners about the way NPR has handled the situation.   What do you think?  Let me know in the comments section below.

Is A “Boring” Debate A Good Debate?

 

Tom Foley and Dan Malloy debate on stage at the Quick Center. In the foreground, that's me on the left with WFSB's Dennis House. I couldn't get my earpiece to stay in my head...

 

by John Dankosky – Tuesday’s gubernatorial debate between Democrat Dan Malloy and Republican Tom Foley was notable for its (relative) lack of yelling, name-calling, awkward interruptions and use of the word “arrogant.”

So, is that a good thing?

Compared to the earlier clashes between the two, this seemed like…well, like a tame public-affairs TV program.

The questions – synthesized by me and Dennis House of Channel 3 from listener and viewer emails – ranged from my “wonky” query about binding arbitration and municipal workers to Dennis’ excellent and unexpected question about UConn playing “home” games against Notre Dame outside the state.

The insider question, hopefully, gave the candidates a chance to consider a new way of attacking the issue of union relations, and the outside question gave them a chance to think on their feet a bit.  That’s something that pointed out some pretty clear differences between the two.  This from Chris Keating’s excellent roundup on his Hartford Courant blog:

“I actually wasn’t familiar with that decision,” Foley said. “I think Connecticut is a great state. I don’t know why they’d rather be in New Jersey than in Connecticut.”

“If I had been governor at the time, I would have pulled the UConn folks aside and said, ‘Let’s find somebody else to play,’ ” Malloy said. “We diminish ourselves when we agree to play somebody not on our home field. … Let’s be very clear. If we spent more money promoting Rentschler Field and the convention facility in Hartford and the other great attractions in our state, we would start to get a return on investment. Let me assure you. We need that money coming into our state.”

One problem with televised debates is figuring exactly what they’re best used for.  Are they “exercises in democracy” that let you hear how the candidates might tackle thorny questions about insurers taking profits out of the state’s HUSKY program? Or, is it about personalities – giving you a chance to decide who you like better?

Mark Pazniokas in the Connecticut Mirror found news in the fact that the candidates toned down their attacks; Ken Dixon of the Connecticut Post thought the health care debate was the headliner; and Mary O’Leary of the Register (bless her) took my bait and wrote about the HUSKY question.

After the thing was over, I can say that I agree with Pat Scully, who wrote in The Hanging Shad that a debate at this point presents an “unenviable task of trying to break some new ground.”

Little new ground was broken yesterday, but we did get another window into the candidates’ preparation and presentation-style.

I know one thing: Boring or not, at least we’re not Kentucky.

 

Peru Part 7: Senor de los Milagros

By Catie Talarski

Diane was on Where We Live for a few minutes this morning, giving a rundown of our travels in Peru and playing some audio from a few of the interviews we’ve done.

A few updates – Hiram Bingham’s grandson wrote a letter to Yale Daily News agreeing with the alumni in Peru, who wrote the University requesting the artifacts be returned:

I would add that my hope is for a better future: archaeological and research collaboration between Peru and Yale beyond Machu Picchu, youth education, promotion of cultural history and awareness, with Yale partnering with Peruvian scholars and students

Yale Daily News reports that the recent letter from Yale Alumni in Peru will not change the University’s legal strategy:

University General Counsel Dorothy Robinson said Yale has long sought a cooperative resolution to the dispute — something she said the letter-writers may not fully appreciate.

In other news, today is our last day in this lovely country.  This date also marks the Procession of the Lord of the Miracles.  I covered this procession in Hartford two years go (check out the audio slideshow).  It was quite moving to be here in Lima for what is one of the biggest processions and celebrations in South America.

The origins of the Lord of Miracles date back to the mid 17th century. An Angolan slave painted a black Christ on a wall near Lima.  The image sustained through attempts by the hierarchy to destroy it, and a massive earthquake that demolished surrounding buildings but left the wall standing.  During the whole month of October, observations take place to honor the patron saint, whose color is purple.  The main event takes place on the 18th – a procession in which hundreds of thousands of Peruvians dress in purple and sing and pray while accompanying the patron’s image for a 24 hour trek.  The wooden platform that carries the image is completely covered with silver and gold, and weights more than a ton. It is carried on the shoulders of the “Pachacamilla Christ Brotherhood”.

 

Thousands gathered at La Plaza de Armas in Lima - we couldn't get too close to the actual procession

Government officials and others sat on balconies and roofs to watch, and confetti marked the occasion

Many men, women and children dressed in purple robes

Peru Part 6: Orchids and Hummingbirds

By Catie Talarski

Today I experienced my first thunder and lightening storm in Peru.  The rain comes quick in the mountains, and the rolling thunder and lightening in Cusco was exciting. Also exciting: a race car convention in the center square.  Best logo ever:

Diane has been doing a series of interviews since we arrived in the country – some on and some off the record.  The Yale/Peru artifact dispute is a controversial issue here – we’ve heard from cab drivers, artists, government officials, business owners, tour guides… most of whom think the artifacts should be returned and some form of an agreement made between the two parties.  Today we talked to an historian at the local Museo Inka who says her great grandfather owned the property that included Machu Picchu when Hiram Bingham “re-discovered” it.  Bingham, in his writings, mentions several families that were actually living on the ruins when he arrived.  She told us these families worked for her great grandfather, and were tending the land.  Another interesting angle in the already complicated story.

Now to the orchids and hummingbirds!  The Manchu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is in Aguas Calientes –  a sprawl of wilderness preservation and eco-luxury that is pricey, even by American standards. (The brochure mentions a few folks who have checked in: Cameron Diaz, Demi Moore, Heidi Klum…. you get the idea.)  When we head back to Lima, Diane will be interviewing the owner of the Inkaterra hotel chains (who has been very involved with the artifact repatriation.)  Although we didn’t spend the night in one of their bungalows (we spent the night at Gringo Bills – FYI) we were given a wonderful tour of the grounds, the Orchid garden, and more hummingbirds in one place than I have ever seen in my life.  I had to post a few photos…

loving, humming, colorful birds

Peru Part 5: Machu Picchu

By Catie Talarski

Hiram Bingham described his first impressions of Machu Picchu:

A jungle-covered maze of small and large walls, the ruins of buildings made of blocks of white granite, most carefully cut and beautifully fitted together without cement.  Surprise followed surprise until there came the realization that we were in the midst of as wonderful ruins as any ever found in Peru.

Bingham’s name is all over the small village of Aguas Caliente, where you make the ascent to the ancient ruins. On street signs, sprawled on trains and engraved in plaques…  a Connecticut connection to this place that, in so many ways, couldn’t be further away.

It’s been an exciting couple of days.  A train ride into Aguas Calientes, a bus ride to Machu Picchu, wandering around mysterious ancient ruins… We had little internet access and I got sick with a stomach bug.  Feeling better now, and stationed in Cusco for the next few days.

Today’s Where We Vote: Dan Malloy Heads Toward November

Dan Malloy during his last Where We Live visit - Photo by Chion Wolf

by John Dankosky - Quite a bit has changed in the world of politics since Dan Malloy was last on our program.  At the time, one week before the Democratic primary, he was still seen as an underdog to Ned Lamont in the race for the party’s nomination.  His convincing victory launched him into a contest with another wealthy businessman, Tom Foley, who he’s leading in a couple of recent polls.

 

But while any tension between Malloy and Lamont seemed only surface-deep, and was played out in negative TV ads, Malloy and Foley seem to genuinely dislike each other.

Their first TV debate had them sniping at each other, then a recent radio debate seemed to push them into even more uncomfortable territory, including this uncivil little exchange:

“Why would you support a bill to abolish the death penalty when a majority of the voters support it. Why would you do that? It’s arrogant,” Foley asked Malloy.

“You, Tom Foley are going to lecture me on arrogance? Give me a break you are one of the most arrogant people I’ve ever met,” Malloy said.

It’s a side of Malloy that prompted The Courant’s Rick Green to write this column about Malloy’s “Patronizing, Know-it-all” side.  Green ends his column with a little unsolicited advice for Malloy: “Voters don’t like annoying candidates.”

Today from 9-10 a.m. we’ll talk with him about issues, including the death penalty debate, and take calls from listeners at 860-275-7266, emails to wherewelive@wnpr.org and tweets @wherewelive.  Tom Foley is scheduled for October 27th.  Both men will take part in a debate one week from today at Fairfield University, hosted by WNPR, CPTV and Channel 3, and moderated by me and Dennis House.

 

 

 

Peru Part 4: Ollantaytambo

By Catie Talarski

Yale Daily News has reported that a group of Yale alumni in Peru have written a letter to the University President asking that Yale return Peruvian artifacts excavated by Hiram Bingham that have been housed at Yale for the last century:

Their concern is not about whether Yale’s legal arguments are logically defensible or not; their concern is about Yale’s rising above such conflict, putting legal distinctions aside, showing a willingness to accommodate the enormous importance of these objects to Peru, and lifting a barrier to future cooperation between Yale and Peru, so that both can work hand in hand to contribute to a greater understanding of an ancient culture and its preservation today.

Diane will be covering this, so stay tuned to WNPR.

Right now we’re exploring Ollantaytambo, a small village nestled in the Andes.  This is one of the places that Hiram Bingham set up camp while doing excavations.  It has some breathtaking ruins and incredible stonework, as you’ll see below, and is one of the main starting points for the Inca Trail.  Amazingly, the village has been continuously inhabited since the 13th century.

View from hotel

I

Incan's precision stone work

Incan ruins and archeology site

Used as a temple and a fortress