Geoff Shackelford's "Part of the Solution" article

[Mike Sweeney]

Shivas,

If you could present three things that Obama has done right, I might be able to understand your criticisms better. As presented, there is too much Rush/Hannity for me to digest. You have lived with him, so I am open minded, but you seem too attached to your position.

[jeffwarne]

Is the country really in that bad of shape?
Is our infrastructure really crumbling?
Are our schools that bad?
Don't we have an Immigration problem? (translation too many people trying to get in)
When everyones EMMIGRATING then I'll panic.
Yes certain areas of the country are worse, that's what drives migration and relocation to more prosperous areas. There's not a God given right to prosper in the town you were born in.

It seems the 70's had more problems, higher unemployment, inflation, thru the roof interest rates-yet somehow we survived it.
I just think in the internet age we only see the bad stuff and take for granted all the good stuff.
Could we do better-sure

[Lou_Duran]

As evidence for playing "the media like a fiddle", in these dire economic times they're spending upwards $150 million on the inauguration/coronation and the Fourth Estate can only lavish praise.  In comparison, in a relatively robust economy, it cost $40 million for Bush's second inauguration and the only things we heard from the media and the not-so-loyal opposition were jeers and complaints of extravagance.  Yes, these are the same folks who hold "fairness" and "equality" as the highest (and maybe only) moral standards.

Obama has done many things right, for himself and maybe his causes, at least in the short run.  As a smart, articulate black man, he has brought great pride to his race and a sense of hope and possibility.  Obama's election has also enabled many whites who genuinely harbored feelings of guilt for slavery and racism to exorcise them.

Given that we are about to repeat the mistakes of the New Deal only on a much greater scale, by all means, golf should get its "fair" share.  I hope Jeff Brauer gets part of the $5 million requested by the city of Arlington (TX) to renovate the Chester Ditto golf course.  I believe that it was originally built by his mentors ( K & N) on a shoe string budget and though it is on a tight site, the topography offers some good opportunities.  Mind you that Texas Star, Bear Creek, Great Southwest, and Rolling Hills, all within 10 minutes from Ditto, have huge holes in their tee sheets.  It beats digging holes and then refilling them.  Yes we can!

[Steve Lang]

It seems the 70's had more problems, higher unemployment, inflation, thru the roof interest rates-yet somehow we survived it.
I just think in the internet age we only see the bad stuff and take for granted all the good stuff.
Could we do better-sure

after Kent State, Gov Rhodes got his buddies at Rohr to open things up and the rest was history..

[Sam Morrow]

As evidence for playing "the media like a fiddle", in these dire economic times they're spending upwards $150 million on the inauguration/coronation and the Fourth Estate can only lavish praise.  In comparison, in a relatively robust economy, it cost $40 million for Bush's second inauguration and the only things we heard from the media and the not-so-loyal opposition were jeers and complaints of extravagance.  Yes, these are the same folks who hold "fairness" and "equality" as the highest (and maybe only) moral standards.

Obama has done many things right, for himself and maybe his causes, at least in the short run.  As a smart, articulate black man, he has brought great pride to his race and a sense of hope and possibility.  Obama's election has also enabled many whites who genuinely harbored feelings of guilt for slavery and racism to exorcise them.

Given that we are about to repeat the mistakes of the New Deal only on a much greater scale, by all means, golf should get its "fair" share.  I hope Jeff Brauer gets part of the $5 million requested by the city of Arlington (TX) to renovate the Chester Ditto golf course.  I believe that it was originally built by his mentors ( K & N) on a shoe string budget and though it is on a tight site, the topography offers some good opportunities.  Mind you that Texas Star, Bear Creek, Great Southwest, and Rolling Hills, all within 10 minutes from Ditto, have huge holes in their tee sheets.  It beats digging holes and then refilling them.  Yes we can!

Lou,

Is it Ditto or Rolling Hills that you can see on 30, it's between The Ballpark and Waterchase.

[Lou_Duran]

One last thing.  If our infrastructure is crumbling as claimed by Big Government proponents, why have our benevolent servants historically diverted or failed to spend monies from gasoline taxes and special use bonds?  Where did the money for building and reinforcing levies in New Orleans go (some congressman's freezer?)?  Why can't we build roads and highways in many of the blue states?  Crumbling in comparison to what?  Europe?  Africa?  South of the border?

BTW, is cartpath resurfacing fair game as "Part of the Solution"?  That was the #1 priority for members at my former club.  Continuous concrete cartpaths would allow for more cart use, which in turn generates greater revenues for the course and demand for domestic manufacturers (and everyone knows that a manufacturing job paying $30,000 per year is worth at least 10 service jobs paying the same amount), mechanics, and other cart fleet maintenance staff.   

[Lou_Duran]

Sam,

Rolling Hills might be visible from I-30.  It sits on the northeast corner of Lamar and Cooper.  At that point, Lamar runs parallel to I-30, probably less than 100 yards away.  Ditto is on the northwest corner of Collins and Brown, a mile or so north of I-30.

I had forgotten Waterchase when mentioning the other five courses (Bear Creek has 36 holes) which are in the immediate area (10-15 minutes), as well as Riverside (on 360 before the airport).  All of these and several others (e.g. Woodhaven, Meadowbrook, Iron Horse) not far from there typically have relatively open tee sheets.

[Adam Jeselnick]

Sorry, newbie status notwithstanding, I have to jump into the fray here.  To address the issue of government funding of golf courses:

"To avoid embarrassment, the measure says specifically that the money can't 'be used for any casino or other gambling establishment, aquarium, zoo, golf course or swimming pool.'" [AP, 1/15/09]

Even though my paycheck depends on the success of the golf industry--and gc development specifically--I tend to agree with everyone who believes that against the current list of economic and political issues, golf just does not measure up.  The lawmakers are right to include this provision as the public perception (perhaps justified) would be that lobbyists from the gaming and golf industries are influencing the stimulus package for their client's benefit.

On the other hand, I think it is way out of line to imply that NEA grant money is pointless.

and of course (because they simply can't resist), more money for the National Endowment for the Arts...

...because nothing soothes the loss of your job like listening to a bunch of ex-band camp geeks butcher Brahms in the local Junior High gym...

Do you have any idea how many artistic disciplines the NEA actually funds?  Or have you realized how many education programs are supported by the NEA?

Maybe we should just eliminate all arts education in public schools, then?  Why encourage the next great golf course designer, photographer, or writer?

[Carl Nichols]

I'm not sure why, but AJ's post makes it look like he's quoting me, when he's actually quoting Dave.  That's not to say I don't agree with Dave.....

[Kalen Braley]

As evidence for playing "the media like a fiddle", in these dire economic times they're spending upwards $150 million on the inauguration/coronation and the Fourth Estate can only lavish praise.  In comparison, in a relatively robust economy, it cost $40 million for Bush's second inauguration and the only things we heard from the media and the not-so-loyal opposition were jeers and complaints of extravagance.  Yes, these are the same folks who hold "fairness" and "equality" as the highest (and maybe only) moral standards.

Lou,

[Rant on]

I cannot possibly agree with you more on this one and goes right to the heart of having a blatantly slanted and biased media.  If everyone is held to the same standards whether it be "kiddie glove treatment" or "hardball" I don't have a problem with this.

But when one party is clearly favored over another...and one is shown in a very good light and the other in a poor light, over and over again, I have a real problem with this.  Yes sure, no one has to tune in to watch the news, but when its by far and away the major source of current events in our society for the majority of people, I would think an obligation would be a must to be as objective and non-partial as humanly possible.

It shouldn't have to be a difficult task to get the straight story on candidates and not have to wade thru mounds and mounds of homer fluff pieces. If I remember correctly the media very much used to cherish and be duty-bound to such an important aspect of thier jobs...is this still too much to ask?

[/Rant off]

[Adam Jeselnick]

Fixed the mis-quote.

Still, just as food for thought...

"Nationally, the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $166.2 billion in economic activity every year—$63.1 billion in spending by organizations and an additional $103.1 billion in event-related spending by their audiences... The $166.2 billion in total economic activity has a significant national impact, generating the following:

-5.7 million full-time equivalent jobs
-$104.2 billion in household income
-$7.9 billion in local government tax revenues
-$9.1 billion in state government tax revenues
-$12.6 billion in federal income tax revenues"

So whether you care about a given industry or could care less, everything has an economic impact somewhere.  Even the $750 million spent on the Obama campaign kept a lot of people in business during a recession - things could be a lot worse!

BTW, the AP story about the stimulus package quoted a provision in the bill that funds are not to be used on casinos, gambling, golf courses, etc....  so I guess Dayton is out of luck.
-AJ

[Sam Morrow]

Sam,

Rolling Hills might be visible from I-30.  It sits on the northeast corner of Lamar and Cooper.  At that point, Lamar runs parallel to I-30, probably less than 100 yards away.  Ditto is on the northwest corner of Collins and Brown, a mile or so north of I-30.

I had forgotten Waterchase when mentioning the other five courses (Bear Creek has 36 holes) which are in the immediate area (10-15 minutes), as well as Riverside (on 360 before the airport).  All of these and several others (e.g. Woodhaven, Meadowbrook, Iron Horse) not far from there typically have relatively open tee sheets.

Plus Terra Verde isn't to far away.

[Eric Pevoto]

As evidence for playing "the media like a fiddle", in these dire economic times they're spending upwards $150 million on the inauguration/coronation and the Fourth Estate can only lavish praise.  In comparison, in a relatively robust economy, it cost $40 million for Bush's second inauguration and the only things we heard from the media and the not-so-loyal opposition were jeers and complaints of extravagance.  Yes, these are the same folks who hold "fairness" and "equality" as the highest (and maybe only) moral standards.

These numbers might be indicative relative popularity rather than lavish appointment.

[Mike Sweeney]

OKAY THE REAL NUMBERS THAT OBAMA IS SPENDING

Obama’s inaugural committee is in the midst of raising roughly $45 million in private funds, exceeding the $42.3 million President Bush spent in 2005. In 1993, Clinton spent $33 million when Democrats returned to the White House for the first time in 12 years.

NOW THE FEDS ARE SPENDING

As in previous years, the costs borne by the taxpayers, for security and emergency medical services, far surpasses the privately funded events. The federal government has budgeted $49 million for this year’s inauguration, more than triple what taxpayers spent at Bush’s first inauguration in 2001, according to the Office of Management and Budget.

AND THE STATES ARE SPENDING

Earlier this year, the District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland and the Washington transit authority sent a request to federal lawmakers for more than $75 million to cover a variety of inaugural costs ranging from security to transportation.

AND THE REASON IT IS SO COSTLY FOR THE FEDS AND STATES IS THE VOLUME OF VISITORS

At least 2 million people are expected at the swearing-in and parade next Tuesday. Officials estimate 10,000 charters buses will arrive in Washington with roughly 500,000 riders alone.

------------------------------------------------

Just trying to add a little balance to the discussion. Okay my source is the Daily News, but I am guessing that they are closer than what was reported above!

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/01/13/2009-01-13_obamas_inauguration_is_most_expensive_ev.html

[Jim_Kennedy]

He got away with the Rezko bribe (whereas everybody else in Illinois seems to go to jail for that), so he's an expert navigator of legal troubles.

Dave,
Seeing as how you seem to be the only person in America that has positive proof of this, please, do your civic duty and make the Justice Dept. aware of it. 

[Lou_Duran]

Sam,

Tierra Verde, one of my favorites in the metroplex, is probably 25-30 minutes from Ditto.  Mansfield National, Prairie Lakes, Tangle Ridge, Twin Wells, Sunset, Stevens Park, Tenison (36) are all within the same travel time.  There is not a shortage of affordable golf in the area.  If Ditto gets a free $5 million, it puts the other operators at a competitive disadvantage.  From my perspective, there is something inherently wrong with government choosing winners and losers.  And from the standpoint of private owners, the insult of having to fund (via taxes) your own demise is particularly offensive.

Eric,

I don't know what you mean by "lavish appointment".

Kalen,

I once had a GCAer argue with me that the media was actually owned by for-profit corporations and, as a result, were inherently conservative.

Studies and polls on the political orientation of Big Media reveal a huge- around 90%- preference for Democrat candidates.   Similarly, when Journalism students were asked why they chose that field of study, the overwhelming reponses were that they wanted to "make a difference" and "change the world".

That BM would favor Democrats in their reporting and opining is not unexpected.  That most claim with a straight face to be impartial and seeking "the truth" is particularly revolting.  The pretenses required to preach at the altar of "fairness and equality" while acting antithetically are breathtaking.  Reality being suspended, the media can simultaneously condemn consumerism and individuals living on plastic well beyond their means, while lavishing great praise on politicians who promote the same policies only on an exponential scale for the collective.

Mike S.,

I have no issue on spending whatever on the inauguration.  My problem is with how BM and the left characterized the 2005 Bush inauguration relative to what they are saying now in 2009 for Obama.

As to your efforts to add balance and your numbers being closer to mine, here is one of several sources.

 http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/16/news/economy/inauguration_costs/?postversion=2009011616

BTW, I heard that though Obama is not accepting corporate or lobbyist contributions for the inauguration, Citibank and Goldman Sachs "bundlers" are among the biggest "donors" for Tuesday's festivities.  Not that money is fungible or anything  , but do you suppose that any of the TARP funds are being used to fete the Great Benefactor?  I know, just like with Obama's real estate transactions facilitated by convicted criminal Tony Rezko, nothing improper or untowardly is going on in this instance either.  And I am in full agreement, we all must come together for the sake of our country (though inquiring minds want to know why this wasn't necessary between 1980 to 1992 and 2000 through 2008).  Yes we can!   

[Adam Clayman]

There was one significant omission from Geoff's argument for leaner turf. Golf Digest's recently altering their definition of conditioning for their panelists.

Maybe it hit the cutting room floor?

[Mike Sweeney]

Mike S.,

I have no issue on spending whatever on the inauguration.  My problem is with how BM and the left characterized the 2005 Bush inauguration relative to what they are saying now in 2009 for Obama.

Lou here goes my Mucci imitation. 1. I don't know what "BM" is. 2. Please let me see where the left said something about the 2005 Bush inauguration. No offense, as an American (independent, who votes for the the conceptually better candidate  ) I don't trust the word of the left or the right.

As to your efforts to add balance and your numbers being closer to mine, here is one of several sources.

 http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/16/news/economy/inauguration_costs/?postversion=2009011616

Lou,  From your article:

"All the parties: The Presidential Inaugural Committee, which is responsible for the events surrounding the actual ceremony, expects that its budget will run about $45 million, but could edge slightly higher, according to Linda Douglass, spokeswoman for the group."

Yet you an Kalen chose to post the $150 mm number and blame Obama and the "left wing conspiracy press". Well that did not work for Hillary when she blamed the "right wing conspiracy press".

I am really tired of smart guys being too lazy to do a little work and try to understand the numbers. By the way, I put you and Kalen in the same category as Tim Geither. Tim should be tossed from the conversation and so should you and Kalen. Do the work!

BTW, I heard that though Obama is not accepting corporate or lobbyist contributions for the inauguration, Citibank and Goldman Sachs "bundlers" are among the biggest "donors" for Tuesday's festivities.  Not that money is fungible or anything  , but do you suppose that any of the TARP funds are being used to fete the Great Benefactor?  I know, just like with Obama's real estate transactions facilitated by convicted criminal Tony Rezko, nothing improper or untowardly is going on in this instance either.  And I am in full agreement, we all must come together for the sake of our country (though inquiring minds want to know why this wasn't necessary between 1980 to 1992 and 2000 through 2008).  Yes we can!   

I have said this before on GCA. My friend Henry killed someone my senior year at St Joe's Prep in Philly. A priest that was my educator in grade school Father Walls was a child molester. There is other stuff too. 46 years on earth, chances are you have met some bad people if you are trying to accomplish something in life. The question is how do we respond?

[Jim_Kennedy]

And I am in full agreement, we all must come together for the sake of our country (though inquiring minds want to know why this wasn't necessary between 1980 to 1992 and 2000 through 2008).  Yes we can!-Lou Duran

Lou,
Actually President Bush was well regarded for quite a bit of his presidency, and people did pull together.
In Feb. '01 Bush was at a 55% approval rate, and remained at that level until 9/13/01, when his next set of approval numbers skyrocketed to 86%. They remained very positive for a quite a while going forward, and in Feb. '03 he still commanded a 64 % approval rating. By the way, at that time his pos/neg rating on the way he was handling the budget and the economy were about equal(mid 40s either way), and his terrorism numbers were an outstanding, 74% positive. They were also incredibly high when we went hunting for Bin Laden in Afghanistan.  
In Feb. '03 he had 66% of the American population backing his position to invade Iraq, whether or not the U.N. or any other nation was willing to join us.

Your obvious biases, and your obvious dislike of the President-Elect, are getting in the way of your ability to make a cogent assessment of how a large segment of our country felt about the way Bush was handling the affairs of this country, and of their willingness to stand behind their President for our collective good. George Bush's numbers as he leaves office are a reflection of the state of ineptitude and skullduggery to which he and his administration devolved. 
He and his crowd were handed the world on a silver platter and they chose to screw the pooch.

You're entitled to your opinion, but you should at least try to get the facts straight. You don't get to cherry pick the ones you like and discard the ones that show you up what you are, wrong .


....by the way, those poll numbers were from The Washington Post/ABC News.

[Jim Nugent]

Mike Sweeney, surely the important point Lou and Kalen made is that the press is two-faced.  They raised a big stench at the money spent on Bush's inauguration.  They don't at Obama's.     

Citi is broke.  It has received tens of billions of federal bailout dollars.  Maybe a whole lot more.  Its stock prices has plunged.  Now it is being forced to split in two.  Yet somehow Citi finds the resources to be one of the largest donors to a big party.  It is reasonable, IMO, to ask where those funds came from.

My prediction, for whatever it is worth, is that Obama-mania will have a real short half-life.  When reality replaces the euphoria, things are going to get ugly. 

[Mike Sweeney]

My prediction, for whatever it is worth, is that Obama-mania will have a real short half-life.  When reality replaces the euphoria, things are going to get ugly. 

Jim,

You sort of remind me of the Jack Nicholson character in "As Good as It Gets".
_____________________________________

[to a group of depressed psychiatric patients]

Melvin Udall: What if this is as good as it gets?

______________________________________________

But at least you didn't say:

Melvin Udall: Never, never, interrupt me, okay? Not if there's a fire, not even if you hear the sound of a thud from my home and one week later there's a smell coming from there that can only be a decaying human body and you have to hold a hanky to your face because the stench is so thick that you think you're going to faint. Even then, don't come knocking. Or, if it's election night, and you're excited and you wanna celebrate because some fudgepacker that you date has been elected the first queer president of the United States and he's going to have you down to Camp David, and you want someone to share the moment with. Even then, don't knock. Not on this door. Not for ANY reason. Do you get me, sweetheart?

[Mike Sweeney]

Mike Sweeney, surely the important point Lou and Kalen made is that the press is two-faced.  They raised a big stench at the money spent on Bush's inauguration.  They don't at Obama's.     

Last Friday night a week ago, I was walking to Spamalot on Broadway with my wife. Suddenly we ran into Sean Hannity interviewing people on the street. I sort of yelled out "Hey Sean, here is the perfect interview (meaning my wife)". Well a quarter of a block later one of the producers ask my wife to go on my camera.

That would have been two faces that I would have really enjoyed. My wife is actually very good on her feet, and as a result she knew that Hannity would have smoked her on camera so she passed. Personally I would have loved it and it would have been great TV.

Politics and the press are both businesses and they change with the times to maximize profits.

[Sam Morrow]

Sam,

Tierra Verde, one of my favorites in the metroplex, is probably 25-30 minutes from Ditto.  Mansfield National, Prairie Lakes, Tangle Ridge, Twin Wells, Sunset, Stevens Park, Tenison (36) are all within the same travel time.  There is not a shortage of affordable golf in the area.  If Ditto gets a free $5 million, it puts the other operators at a competitive disadvantage.  From my perspective, there is something inherently wrong with government choosing winners and losers.  And from the standpoint of private owners, the insult of having to fund (via taxes) your own demise is particularly offensive.

Eric,

I don't know what you mean by "lavish appointment".

Kalen,

I once had a GCAer argue with me that the media was actually owned by for-profit corporations and, as a result, were inherently conservative.

Studies and polls on the political orientation of Big Media reveal a huge- around 90%- preference for Democrat candidates.   Similarly, when Journalism students were asked why they chose that field of study, the overwhelming reponses were that they wanted to "make a difference" and "change the world".

That BM would favor Democrats in their reporting and opining is not unexpected.  That most claim with a straight face to be impartial and seeking "the truth" is particularly revolting.  The pretenses required to preach at the altar of "fairness and equality" while acting antithetically are breathtaking.  Reality being suspended, the media can simultaneously condemn consumerism and individuals living on plastic well beyond their means, while lavishing great praise on politicians who promote the same policies only on an exponential scale for the collective.

Mike S.,

I have no issue on spending whatever on the inauguration.  My problem is with how BM and the left characterized the 2005 Bush inauguration relative to what they are saying now in 2009 for Obama.

As to your efforts to add balance and your numbers being closer to mine, here is one of several sources.

 http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/16/news/economy/inauguration_costs/?postversion=2009011616

BTW, I heard that though Obama is not accepting corporate or lobbyist contributions for the inauguration, Citibank and Goldman Sachs "bundlers" are among the biggest "donors" for Tuesday's festivities.  Not that money is fungible or anything  , but do you suppose that any of the TARP funds are being used to fete the Great Benefactor?  I know, just like with Obama's real estate transactions facilitated by convicted criminal Tony Rezko, nothing improper or untowardly is going on in this instance either.  And I am in full agreement, we all must come together for the sake of our country (though inquiring minds want to know why this wasn't necessary between 1980 to 1992 and 2000 through 2008).  Yes we can!   

Dallas Golf often gets overlooked for the quality of affordable public golf.

[Adam Clayman]

Mike. My favorite line and it probably applies to politicians instead of women.  'How do you write women so well' 'I write for a man removing reason and accountability'.

[RJ_Daley]

Somebody needs to give Dave, Oliver Stone's number....