Rhubarb Ruminations: Episode 17

There are some news items that will leave you shaking your head. Sometimes it is in disbelief. It could be the passing of a celebrity. It could be about a person that does something that makes you say “what were they thinking?”. Welcome to Weiner-Gate.

And this is what brings me to Episode 17 of the Ruminations. Here are some random, assorted news items that had me shaking my head this past couple of weeks.

1. All I need to say is “Governor Rick Perry” and you probably already know why I am in disbelief. The Governor of the great state of Texas seems to be faced with a tough challenge these days. Is he running for President – or isn’t he?

He spent the last week on the road like a travelling road show. Maybe it was more like a circus than anything else. Perry appeared just about anywhere that people were gaga (and I don’t mean Lady Gaga) about his far right conservatism, including an appearance at the Republican Leadership Conference. There was a lot of ego stroking going on.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Perry had over 1,000 bills sitting on his desk, awaiting his attention before Sunday.

I would like to personally thank the Governor for his attention to the problems of the state. With less than a week to sign off, he was off thumping his chest and praising the success of his home state. Of course, I can only imagine the pride of having that $27 billion deficit, or the fact that he has accepted billions of dollars in federal stimulus money while denouncing the program in the same breath.

Remember that his “emergency” bill was one that requires all women seeking abortions to have sonograms first. Yes, that came ahead of the $27 billion deficit plan. Priorities? They do seem to be a little skewed.

As for his real track record, it is worth the time and effort to review this. You be the judge. I will just keep shaking my head.

2. And now, a moment of silence for Clarence Clemons, the saxophone player for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band (1942-2011). I can’t say I have been a longstanding fan of the E Street Band, but I know that they helped make Bruce Springsteen one of the greatest live rock and roll music shows ever. Bruce had been known to play for 3 and 4 hours per show, back in the day. An integral part of that band was none other than the “Big Man” himself. Springsteen noted that his loss was “immeasurable”. My condolences go out to his family – both his relatives and the extended family he had with Bruce and the band. It is a true loss for the rock and roll community.

3. The debate surrounding Formula One in Austin has become quite amusing. Apparently, people here just don’t get it. Yet.

We currently have a three day event in Austin called the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Everyone applauds its existence (with the exception of those who live close to Zilker Park!). No problems there. They put 65,000 people per day into Zilker Park – many of them locals. There is a big influx of dollars into the Austin economy.

So now let me tell you that we have another three day event coming to Austin which will provide global exposure to our fair city. Formula One is a multi-billion dollar enterprise globally. A lot of money will be flowing into Austin from points far away. There is no doubt in my mind that the F1 race will have as many people in attendance over three days as ACL does.

Why is everyone anti-Formula One? Why are people dragging their feet over this? Sure, it’s not football and it’s not music, but it will provide Austin with far more exposure internationally than either of these events. That, my friends, cannot be a bad thing for our economy.

Photo credits: Wikipedia