| Potomac Confidential
With Marc Fisher
Post Metro Columnist
Thursday, March 13, 2003; Noon ET Potomac Confidential fills the midday lull with discussion of the latest news and a rigorous slicing and dicing of the issues that define who we are and where we live. In his weekly show, Washington Post Metro columnist Marc Fisher veers wildly from serious probing to silly prattle, and is open to topics local, national, personal and more. The transcript follows. Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Marc Fisher: Welcome aboard on a sneaky spring day. Glad to have you inside and tapping away on the keyboards. Tuesday's column focused on Jim Moran's continuing campaign to shoot himself in the foot and anywhere else he can manage. Of course, there's plenty of other fodder for today's hour, so let's see what's on your minds....
Arlington, Va.: Sadly, I had to nod my head in agreement with your comments about my congressman, Jim Moran. Let me suggest that one of the reasons he has been able to survive so long is top-notch staff. I've sent several requests to his office over the years, which have all been dealt with promptly and thoroughly. I had the polar opposite experience from the offices of Senators Robb, Warner and Allen. washingtonpost.com: Sorry, Mr. Moran, You're Not Fit For Public Office (Post, March 11, 2003) Marc Fisher: Yes, there's no doubt that Moran has served his constituents efficiently, especially in that sort of direct assistance by which many voters judge their representatives. I've heard from many in the district who really like Moran, but have grown so tired of his excesses that they crave a choice. It looks like they'll get one in '04--lots of Dems are lining up to challenge the 7-term congressman.
Alexandria, Va.: Thank you for your column regarding Rep. Moran. I am a jewish democrat in his district. I have mixed feelings about the possible war. I have no mixed feelings about his comments, I felt attacked. He is a corrupt Congressman and needs to go. Are you aware of any grassroot effort to get him out of office? If there is I would like to get involved. washingtonpost.com: Sorry, Mr. Moran, You're Not Fit For Public Office (Post, March 11, 2003) Marc Fisher: There is a Web site called Morantics.com that was launched last year by Republican opponents of Moran, but Democrats have been rather shy about taking him on--until now. Robert Melton's story in today's Metro section details some of the moves by Virginia Democrats to challenge Moran--I think we'll see Fairfax Supervisors chair Kate Hanley mount a campaign, and possibly former congresswoman Leslie Byrne, and maybe Alexandria mayor Kerry Donley.
Of course, from Moran's perspective, the more the merrier.
Derwood, Md.: Sheesh! Just what was Jim Moran thinking, coming out to a community forum and speaking directly with his constituents? At this time of (undeclared) war, Mr. Moran should be keeping busy, just like his colleagues. They’re doing their part to fight terrorism by renaming cafeteria menu items ("Would you like Freedom Fries with that?"). This morning, the Post reported that 40% of email is "spam", unsolicited commercial email. Maybe Mr. Moran should submit a bill to get it renamed "French Mail"? washingtonpost.com: Spam's Cost To Business Escalates (Post, March 13, 2003) Marc Fisher: Somehow other local congressfolk seem to be able to address their constituents directly without slurring an entire faith. Today's story about Chris Van Hollen and Steny Hoyer taking their opposite views on the war to their Maryland constituents shows how it's done in an honest, direct fashion, regardless of which side you're on.
As for those Freedom Fries, I had hoped the spirit of Bob Barr had been excised from Congress, but no, they're still up to their old silly games.
Vienna, Va.: I greatly appreciated your Thursday column about my scumbag Congressman. Half of me says Moran will weather the storm, the other half sees walls closing in on him. What do you think will happen? Marc Fisher: I don't see him resigning, nor do I think he should. It's up to the voters in his district to decide if they want to get rid of Moran. I think he will be robustly challenged next year, but if there are, say, four or five Dems taking him on, he could easily slip through to a narrow plurality and then take on whatever token candidate the GOP throws at him.
Laurel, Md.: If I recall correctly from high school journalism class, you as the columnist did not write the headline to your Tuesday column "Sorry Mr. Moran, you're not fit for public office." Your column doesn't exactly say he should resign but does call him "a sorry excuse for a congressman" so I'll assume the sentiment in the headline is close to your actual feelings. While most of that column is a sane examination of Mr. Moran's sorry record, the first three paragraphs take his statement: "If it were not for the strong support of the Jewish community for this war with Iraq, we would not be doing this. The leaders of the Jewish community are influential enough that they could change the direction of where this is going, and I think they should." And translates into "endorsing...the pernicious myth...[of] all powerful Jews." (Elipsis necessary for grammatical clarity, but captures the nature of the original.) Nowhere did Moran say that he thought Jews were all-powerful, or any of the other Jewish-conspiracy buzzwords you used as examples in your piece. I don't I agree with Mr. Moran's position (and certainly not defend any other part of his record) but he did NOT endorse the myth of an all-powerful Jewish conspiracy. He said our foreign policy in this matter is being largely driven by the political influence of Jews. Jews are a well-educated, affluent group who influences our society out of proportion to their numbers in the population. That is not a complain, criticism or conspiracy theory. It is not exactly a fact; but is a characterization with which most informed persons would agree. Taking Mr. Moran's version, translating it into your own extremist version, and then criticizing him for saying him for saying YOUR version is the kind of debate-closing rhetoric that has made some issues hard to deal with because certain positions then get equated with racism. It's hard to argue, for instance, that blacks need to lower their crime and non-marital birth rates instead of campaigning for slavery reparations without being called a bigot for it. There are plenty of reasons to stop electing Jim Moran. Jewish conspiracy theory is not one of them. washingtonpost.com: Sorry, Mr. Moran, You're Not Fit For Public Office (Post, March 11, 2003) Marc Fisher: I agree that too often politicians (and others) are targeted for attack because of a single statement, and that sometimes those statements do not fairly reflect a person's overall work. But sometimes they do. The Trent Lott case was a good example of someone whose offending statement turned out to be pretty well reflective of a lifetime of words and deeds. In Moran's case, I do not see a history of anti-Semitism; I see a long and sad history of poor self-control, bad judgment, and intemperate behavior. In addition, I see a hurtful and stereotyping in these latest remarks that is unfitting a person in high office.
Your remarks about Jewish influence are, sadly, very much along the lines of most of the mail I've received about Moran and his comments. There seems to be a very widespread belief that Jews have power beyond their numbers, and today's A1 story about Jewish fundraising in the Democratic party backs up the notion that Jews do exert considerable political influence. But it is a considerable leap from there to Moran's statement that that influence is monolithic and that it is capable of determining national policy, even determining whether we go to war.
To say that is to willfully ignore the facts about how deeply divided American Jews are about the war (very much as divided as the rest of the country is.) And it is to ascribe to ancient and ugly assumptions about Jewish power.
Vienna, Va.: Marc, there is a bi-partisan group (dominated mostly by Dems and Indies) called no-mo-ran.com, which lacks the GOP bent of Morantics. What is your take on his viability? I've seen him weather his fair share of storms, but I know I'm not the only Democrat who will never again vote for him. Marc Fisher: Thanks--I hadn't seen that other site before.
Don't underestimate Moran--he's a talented politician and he will be hard at work mending fences in the weeks to come. I don't see a huge groundswell of antagonism toward him in his district, but I also don't hear quite as strong a defense of him from Democrats in the district as we've heard in the past. It's hard to read at this stage.
Arlington, Va.: Marc, Do you think Nancy Pelosi is worried about the image of the Democratic Party? Based on her muted reaction to Jim Moran's antisemitic conspiracy theories, one might think the party is tolerant of such views. Do the Democrats realize the national implications of their mild approach to this issue? Do you think the party leaders are just hoping that all will be forgotten in 2004? Marc Fisher: Yes, I'm sure the hope and prayer is that this will just go away. And it might. I would have thought that the GOP would have made a greater effort to use this as the Dems used the Lott debacle. There was a statement by six Jewish Dems in the House that they will not support Moran again and that they hope he does not run for reelection.
Arlington, Va.: I'm a democrat and I voted for Jim Moran several times. But I have to agree it's time for him to go. He's done some good things for the district, but he's just done too many dumb things. I was surprised to see him say on channel 5 this morning that he thinks he doesn't belong in Congress. To me that sounded like he sees the writing on the wall, and while I don't expect him to resign I don't think he will run again. I was glad to see Leslie Byrne has decided to run for his seat. Marc Fisher: Did he really say that? Wow. I don't see anything on the fox5dc Web site about that, but that would be quite remarkable.
Washington, D.C.: I'm a former constituent of Moran's (before I wised up and moved out of the Insane Dominion and back into the District). I really hate watching him screw up like this, because I really like his voting record, and always was glad to have one of the few Virginia reps who wasn't a right wing jerk. it's too bad that he is destroying himself this way. Marc Fisher: It is sad, because part of his appeal is the very outspokenness and frankness that has gotten him in trouble at times. He's not afraid of a fight, and that's usually a good thing in a congressman.
We'll come back to the Moran issue in a bit, but first some other topics...
Van Ness, Washington, D.C.: Marc, I have always appreciated (not always agreed with) your columns. My wife and I spent two years in southern Africa after about a decade in D.C. We came back with a baby and are now considering the usual next step -- moving out of D.C. Like most people, we don’t have the money for Washington’s numerous, fine private schools. We like city life but now must get ourselves into a good public school -- probably in Arlington or lower Montgomery County. It is frustrating to live the truth that I have always known: D.C. is not a desirable place for people with young kids. Can you talk us out of this (with your knowledge of the city school system)? Forget taxes and Congressional representation -- give me a good public school system. Marc Fisher: You're in a pickle. I know plenty of people who have found good experiences in D.C. public elementary schools, not only in the usual spots in upper Northwest, but also at a few stand-out schools on the Hill and in Northeast. You need to be a very involved parent and a careful shopper, and even though the school system is trying to make it harder to shop around for a school, it is still possible to do so. I wish I could say the same for the city's middle schools, but I rarely hear good things about them. That's especially sad, because again at the high school level, there are some standouts, especially the School Without Walls and the upper track at Wilson High (and Ellington, if your kids are artistically inclined.) It's also worth your time to go check out the better charter schools, a few of which are truly inspiring.
But there's no denying that you face a real dilemma. The overall quality of the system remains subpar. On the other hand, the quality of teachers entering the system is better than it's been in many years, and Supt. Paul Vance has put some top-notch people in top jobs; whether that will show an impact in the classroom is still an open question.
Washington, D.C.: I am pleased to let you know that in response to freedom fries, some friends and I are moving the location of our regular Thursday evening dinner gathering. We are trying to decide between Montmartre on the Hill and Bistrot du Coin in Dupont Circle. I also plan to buy some French wine this weekend. Marc Fisher: It's so warm out today that you could bring brie to the proper temp on the sidewalk. Or something like that.
I had a similar reaction to your Freedom Fries decision when my decade-old Honda died and I went out to buy a VW, thinking that a German car might be a good deal at this moment of jingoistic antagonism.
Washington, D.C.: That whole "freedom fries" thing reminds me of how my grandfather had to claim to be Cherokee to serve in the Coast Guard just before and during WWII (we're actually of German descent).
But this time, it's our allies we're picking on. Grow UP, people.
And anyone wanting to get rid of French wine, cheese, pastry or art because you don't like the fact that we can't order other sovereign nations to do exactly what Bush wants them to, send 'em to me. Marc Fisher: Now there's an idea--a clearinghouse for orphaned fine wines. We could set up a receptacle in a parking lot, Goodwill-style. And then have ourselves quite a feast.
Washington, D.C.: Did you know that French toast is actually American? And one of the first American dishes? It was invented by a man called "French" hence the name.
Marc Fisher: I had no idea. Next you're gonna tell me that French's mustard ain't French either!
Freedom Fries: Sheesh! Don't our representatives know that french fries are no more French than Jerry Lewis? In lowercase, "french" means to cut vegetables into long, thin pieces. Marc Fisher: OK, but did that style of cutting come from our French friends? Anyway, I thought that was "julienne."
Riverdale, Md.: Marc, Did you see the sane and thoughtful article Steve Pearlstein did on the economics of baseball Sunday? Although he didn't say it, I got the idea that baseball is a business that swings strongly with economic cycles. Since Washington has the most non-cyclical economics of any city in the country, it might look good now, but when the economy heats up again we'll be economically behind the other teams. washingtonpost.com: Baseball Is Not A Business Model D.C. Can Afford (Post, March 7, 2003) Marc Fisher: Steve Pearlstein is my favorite explainer of things economic, and goodness knows I need a lot of explaining on such matters. But in this case, he and I disagree--we've debated this ad nauseum for our own entertainment. Although it's true that RFK is (or could be) a perfectly fine baseball facility, the only defensible reason for committing any public funds to bringing baseball to DC is if doing so would expand the tax base. That's why I support a stadium site on the edge of downtown--ideally, the site behind Gonzaga High School that the mayor is now against because of fears that people would be upset by the closing of a block of New Jersey Avenue.
The leading site, at NY and Florida avenues, would work fine, except that I think it's too far from downtown to really spur the sort of ancillary development that San Francisco, for example, got by putting its stadium at downtown's edge.
Washington, D.C.: I have to say that I am astounded by the lack of objectivity in the coverage of the proposed new baseball stadium in the metro section. Yesterday we had the headline, "Suburbanites Make Pitches for Hometown Team -- Support Declared for D.C. Effort" when if you read the story you see that there is actual substantial opposition to the idea of a stadium. Of course the suburbanites support it -- they're not the ones paying for it! Tuesday we had the headline, "Businesses Back D.C. Stadium Fee--
Leaders Want Exemptions for Some, No Tax Increases," and leads off "Business leaders say they are willing to pay a fee to support construction of a baseball stadium" --
but if you read the article you see that the only group that has come out in favor of the stadium tax is the D.C. Building Industry Association. Duh. Does anyone expect the builders to be against a $400 million construction project? Is that really news? Why not just drop the veneer of objectivity and run a headline, "Post Has Decided: Baseball Good For You -- If you don't like it, leave." Marc Fisher: As always, the fairness and balance of news coverage is in the eye of the beholder. As a wild-eyed baseball fan who wants a team here almost no matter what it costs, I see our coverage as too critical and too limited. But I know that my bias is coloring my view of the coverage, which, as it does with most stories, will shift from one side to another and back again as the story changes.
Cottage City, Md.: Okay, I live outside D.C., so I guess I don't really have a dog in this fight, except as a question of principal. But dag it makes me angry to hear that somehow the city has millions to spend on a frivolous luxury when they don't have squat to spend on schools and housing. Why do we "need" a baseball team? What precise necessity does this fill besides providing sky boxes for the well-connected politicos? What kind of jobs are going to be provided -- one or two in PR maybe? Some physical trainers? Lots and lots of popcorn/beer vendors? Are these actually jobs worth spending millions to get? The team owners should pay for their game and stop making this a civic responsibility -- and if they threaten to leave, hand them their durn hat. And the businesses that have so much to give a baseball team ought to be ashamed that they wouldn't give a tenth as much to adopt a school. Marc Fisher: That's a false dichotomy. The city is not proposing to spend any general fund money on a stadium. The city is proposing to revive the tax on businesses in the neighborhood where a stadium would be built, the same tax that helped pay for the MCI Center. And it's worth noting that even those who initially opposed the arena have come around to the view that it played an essential and beneficial role in the renaissance of Washington's eastern downtown. A baseball stadium has the same promise--if it's done right. If it's done suburban style with lots of parking lots, it would likely have zero economic benefit. But if parking is pretty much ignored, as it was with MCI, it will boost mass transit and create a thriving retail and entertainment district. Again, look at San Francisco.
Southern Maryland: Loved your recent Slate article about the dearth of liberal talk radio. I believe you're right that the target listeners are actually tuning in to Stern and to Don & Mike. So how does the Greaseman fit into your theory? Doug Tracht always said he was playing a character who wasn't meant to be taken seriously. But much of his comedy seemed grounded in white male resentment. The Greaseman regularly ridiculed blacks ("IPs") and slammed causes like feminism, gay rights and gun control. He made fun of West Virginians, too, but that never seemed as angry or as mean-spirited. Marc Fisher: Yes, there's a tremendous amount of male anger and resentment in the audience for Grease, Don and Mike, Stern and the whole testosterone radio gang. But there's also a thick vein of pretty liberal libertarianism that courses through those many of those shows. And somewhere in that strange mix of politics and entertainment, there are lessons and opportunities for creative Democrats to learn about the kind of country and life that many Americans want. That doesn't mean the Dems should adopt the coarse, raucous attitudes of those shows, but it does mean that the Limbaugh/Hannity/O'Reilly crowd is not the only one listening to the radio.
Somewhere, USA: Off your beat?: I'd write to Howard Kurtz, but he's not on today. And I guess the President is a local so somehow in your sights. There are about three million conspiracy theories going on about the potential war in Iraq, and every one of them is fruitier than the next. But they do fill a void. Since we can't figure out why Pres. Bush is so set on this war from his own statements, any number of people feel they have to work this out from little or no evidence at all. I don't see Pres. Bush actually disproving any of these conspiracies either. He certainly isn't winning awards for 'Great Communicator' or even moderately good communicator. In fact we seem to have the Secret Government here, with everyone in the administration having hands clapped over their mouths. Marc Fisher: I wouldn't call it a secret govt so much as one that doesn't know how to address the public in an honest and firm manner. There is too much secrecy in this administration, and so there's a sense in the public that we aren't getting the full and clear reasons for a war. Instead, we get an ever-changing menu of reasons, and that in itself makes the case for war less persuasive. It also opens the door to all these conspiracy theories.
Long Beach, Calif.: The Los Angeles Times ran a feature story today on the limitations of chummy
phone calls from the President, and of "personal politics" in general. It mentioned that Bush continues to "shine"
Shroeder on, in continued anger over a terrifically small slight from one of Germany's ministers. Is American good-will the personal property of President Bush or what? Will this darken the clouds over US-German relations?
At what point does the Hamburger become
the Freedom Sandwich again? Marc Fisher: Probably this administration's single greatest failure in the build up to war has been the snippy and dismissive attitude toward our erstwhile allies. Sure, it's not very likely that France or Germany would have become enthusiastic supporters of a war, but a diplomatic campaign --both very public and very quiet--along the lines of what Bush I and Jim Baker did in the aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall would have gone a long way toward easing fears about an aggressive and uncaring U.S.
Logan Circle, Washington, D.C.: Hey, let's get rid of some of those other bad French influences in our culture. What else have they sent us? "Liberte, egalite"... that inscription on the statue of liberty... Oh, wait, Mr. Ashcroft is already working on this. Marc Fisher: Ouch.
Washington, D.C.: About six weeks ago you did an article on the recurring nightmare of IT training in your office. Being an end-user, I thought it was quite clever and sent an e-mail to our IT team at work suggesting they check it out. Several days later I was called up on the carpet for doing that. It seems the IT team was "highly offended." They went behind my back to my supervisor and snitched instead of confronting me with their grievance. This bad judgment call cost me a promotion! What do your posters think of this? Marc Fisher: Double ouch.
I'm truly sorry if the column hurt you at work. Sounds like a pretty vindictive workplace.
Washington, D.C.: I love DC, but I have to wonder what's wrong with people here sometimes.... if some residents of NW were as active and passionate about statehood, education, or crime as they are about silly Klingle Road, this would be a different city... Marc Fisher: I'm with you. I cannot remotely conceive of why, with all the problems this city has, so many people have been so active for so long at such expense over such a non-issue. Take a walk down there and see how immaterial that road/park is.
French Fries: Are actually Belgian. Marc Fisher: At least the Belgians know how to eat them--with a generous splash of vinegar.
Francophobia: This is nothing new. In the 18th and early 19th centuries when Napoleon was stirring things up, the British referred to syphilis as "French pox." The French responded by calling the same affliction "the English disease." Marc Fisher: A pox on all their houses.
Re: the French (fries and toast): The idiots in Congress (and their supporters) who are more concerned about “French” fries and toast -- one of which is actually Belgian and the other (toast) American (invented in Albany by a guy named, yes, French) should consider these facts. On Sept. 12, 2001, Le Monde had a headline that read “Nous Sommes Tous Americains”: We Are All Americans. French President Jacques Chirac visited New York on Sept. 19, 2001 -- the first foreign leader to personally view the devastation of Ground Zero -- to express French support for all Americans. Chirac told a televised news conference that he and his country have been "terribly shocked and traumatized" by the attacks on the United States. In support of the Operation “Enduring Freedom,” French Special Forces fought in Afghanistan alongside their U.S. comrades. French special forces have fought al Qaeda in the Shahikot mountain range near Gardez, and French Air Force fighters have conducted the second highest number of sorties -- more than 10 percent of the entire number -- over Afghanistan. Marc Fisher: OK, and then what, they realized they had some huge oil deals in Iraq and didn't want to lose them to Americans?
From the D.C. schools trenches: Vance is trying hard, and the quality of incoming teachers is much much higher than it was. But Vance has huge challenges in physical plant, where there are some embedded grudges and other bureaucratic weirdness. And will the good teachers stay beyond their initial commitments? Vance (and that union) have to make it attractive. Marc Fisher: Yes, and the loss of Steve Seleznow, Vance's #2, is a real blow to those efforts.
Wilson high school graduate: Marc -- I think your comments on the D.C. public schools are generally fair, although I had a better experience in D.C. middle schools (albeit 20 years ago) than your comments suggest. There's another benefit of the D.C. public schools, though, that I think that parents often overlook: the ability to experience true diversity. The lessons I learned interacting from kids of all walks of life have served me well since my graduation. Marc Fisher: I hear that a lot from parents, and less so from students. Students generally describe life at Wilson, for example, as very much divided, by race and class.
Washington, D.C. Schools: So there are no decent public schools in the District outside of white enclaves? Marc Fisher: I didn't say that, and it's not true--see the next post for a good example...
Takoma Park, Md.: My spouse teaches in a very good D.C. public school. Involved parents, competent teachers. Physical plant not as bad as some. Lots of emphasis on music, some on art, plus an outstanding set of kindergarten teachers (my spouse NOT among them -- she teaches an upper grade). Bunker Hill elementary, in Brookland. They're in the top 25 or so of D.C. public schools, and the housing is more affordable than many places in D.C. Marc Fisher: Another example--Jefferson Junior High in SW.
Blown Out of Proportion: Mr. Fisher: I think that Moran's comments have been blown way out of proportion. As a congressman, he surely must know of the strong prowar influence that the extreme hawks -- many of whom are Jewish -- have on Bush's decision to go to war. Your own Howard Kurtz admitted as much in his column today; and many reasonable analysts feel that this Iraq war is as much a war about Israel's security as much as anything else. Why does everyone have to play the anti-Semitic card any time anyone dares to say something less than glowing about Jewish people/the Jewish state? I mean, come on, our absolutely unconditional support of Israel through the years is a large reason so many Arabs are against the United States. Wake up and smell the reality! washingtonpost.com: Kurtz: Hidden Agenda? (Post, March 13, 2003) Marc Fisher: Many of the extreme hawks are Jews? Kind of a giveaway about how extreme your position is, no? "Many" and "Jews" don't go together in this country, unless you're talking about rabbis.
Arlington, Va.: About the Jim Moran thing, what I really want to know is, what ever happened to free speech and being able to express an idea without everyone jumping down your throat? I cannot believe how this thing is getting blown out of proportion. Should a man have his whole career ruined because of one comment? It creates an atmosphere where people have to walk on eggshells around special interest groups or religious groups. I just don't get it--it's making me really angry. I don't understand what is so bad about his comment anyway. If that's what he thinks, then that is what he thinks? Why is it seen as so offensive? Marc Fisher: You're right--no one should be ruined by a single comment. And we're too quick in this instant-analysis society to jump on people for saying something stupid. That's why in Moran's case it's important to look at the long list of foolish statements and decisions he's made during his years in public office. I find his accepting loans from people he did congressional business with considerably more offensive than his statements about Jews.
Arlington, Va.: Your correspondent from Laurel, Md., writes that Jews are an affluent, well-educated group with influence in our society out of proportion to their numbers (or something close to that). The problem with his/her reasoning is that that statement could be made (with more accuracy) with respect to a number of other "groups," including Wall Street investment bankers, Madison Avenue advertising executives, Texas oilmen, Ivy League professors, etc., yet few people are blaming the war on these supposedly like-minded, influential people. Only the Jews are being singled out by Moran, Buchanan, and others. Marc Fisher: Quite true.
Long Beach, Calif.: Is there a polite way to mention the fact that Wolfowitz and Perle,
amongst others, have forged, along with
the party of Ariel Sharon, a bold and dangerous plan to reshape the Middle East?
This is according to published, and therefore verifiable policy reports issued
and signed by the likes of Cheney, Armitage,
Perle, and the Wolfman? Why is this so
controversial, when it can be backed up with
concrete documentation? Marc Fisher: Because it's a conspiracy theory that conveniently ignores huge masses of fact, such as the fact that the president, vice president, cabinet and key military leaders include precisely zero Jews, and it's fair to assume that they are capable of independent decisions and that they weigh many aspects of policy other than what one tiny ally might want.
Bethesda, Md.: I don't see the big deal about Moran. I don't agree with him that Jews or any other religious group influences Bush. Bush is a chickenhawk warmonger who is going in no matter what. What Moran said may be wrong, and politically incorrect, but I don't think he should resign - Lott's words were far more insulting, and there he sits in the Senate. People are WAY to sensitive. Marc Fisher: I agree that neither of them should resign. Lott got the consequences he deserved. Moran's constituents will decide whether he does too.
French Dining Guy: Did you buy the VW? You should. They are wonderful. I get a little pleasure these days out of driving a German car. Marc Fisher: I did. I've liked the feel and engineering of German cars since my years in Germany. Can't say the same for French cars, though. Or should I say Freedom Cars.
Washington, D.C.: French fries actually originated in Belgium. And I hardly think you'll find any French person willing to claim French toast or French fries as being authentically French. To the person considering Montmartre or Bistrot du Coin: Go with Montmartre. Bistrot du Coin has the rudest servers and worst service in the city. (I know, I missed Sietsema's chat yesterday) Marc Fisher: That's disappointing--I've been meaning to try that place. Looks inviting.
National Airport: Hey, speaking of the unlamented departure of Bob Barr, do you think we could get up a campaign to get our airport name back? I have nothing against Reagan; I voted for him twice. I DO have a problem with being told what to do by someone who has no business telling me. I moved to Virginia because I had no representation in Congress in D.C. only to find that I wasn't shielded from untoward meddling even when I did. Hope springs eternal. Marc Fisher: Good idea, but you better act fast before Barr finds his way back to town.
Washington, D.C.: In his statement, didnt Moran say his daughter was marrying a Jew and converting? If so, imagine what his soon to be son-in-law and HIS family thinks!! Marc Fisher: Yes, he did say that. Made me cringe. Some of my best friends....
Washington, D.C.: Hmmm. The idea that the Lincoln Memorial was sculpted by Daniel Chester Freedom has a nice ring, doesn't it? Marc Fisher: Freedom Mustard! Freedom Kissing!
Washington, D.C.: Great. You like baseball so much, you pay for it. Why should my wallet be raided by the tax man to subsidize your entertainment choices. I don't make you subsidize my favorite band's shows at the 9:30, why should I have to financially help you watch dumb jocks? Marc Fisher: You're exactly right. Taxpayers should not subsidize entertainment options. So I assume you're against slots, which are, Gov. Ehrlich tells us, intended to subsidize the horse racing industry. As for baseball, public money should go only into the infrastructure that would spark development and expansion of the tax base--as the sports arena did for the 7th Street corridor.
NW Washington, D.C.: The question half a million Washingtonians would love to see answered. Why does the president want to go to war for democracy in Iraq when he's unwilling to even express support for the idea in D.C.? If after the inevitable invasion there is regime change and there really is a democratic government there, the average citizen in Baghdad will have a greater voice in his government than a resident of Washington. I realize that the war isn't really about democracy, or the Iraqi people at all, and the prospects of democracy there are bleak, but if the administration is going to use that as a reason, it does raise this question. Marc Fisher: Excellent question. And now with our early primary, you'll get to ask it of presidential candidates.
Belgian fries: "At least the Belgians know how to eat them - with a generous splash of vinegar."
And sweet, juicy mussels cooked in garlic and white wine, and a lovely tart lambic (Belgian beer made with wild yeast)...mmmm.
Time to go do my part to let our allies know _some_ Americans still respect them, I think. Now where's that travel book? Marc Fisher: Sure would be cheap to go now.
Speaking of going, we're over our allotted time.
Thanks for coming along, folks, more next week--and let's hope we're not talking about falling bombs then.
washingtonpost.com: That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion.
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