tonyrussell's blog

“If We Could Change Ourselves”: The DNC and Transformational Change

tonyrussell — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 15:27:34 +0000

The Democratic sweep of 2008 built on an overwhelming public hunger for a shift in the direction the country was moving. In a skillfully crafted campaign, Barack Obama presented himself as the personification of hope and change. He and the party turned pent-up demand for a more equal society and a less belligerent foreign policy into a smashing victory. Obama swept into office along with Democratic majorities in both the House and Senate.

“I’m Going to Have to Wear That Phrase Like Sackcloth”

tonyrussell — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 17:30:04 +0000

“Kellyanne, good gracious! What’s wrong with you, honey, you look terrible!”

“So What’s Your Question, Larry?”

tonyrussell — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 17:24:21 +0000

RUSH TRANSCRIPT

PRESS CONFERENCE WITH GOVERNOR RICKETTS

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA

Face-off at the DMV

tonyrussell — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 15:46:20 +0000

I took Kevin to the DMV yesterday to get his learners permit. I’d planned on sleeping in, but Patty roused us at 7. “It could take most of the morning,” she said, “and you’ll never get the grass cut if you sleep in.” She seemed to believe that was a negative.

We got there early, before the doors opened, but two dozen people were already ahead of us. We slowly worked our way toward the front of the line, and were almost there by 10 am. I’d read the sports section of the paper twice, and Kevin stayed busy texting on his phone. But then things took an odd turn.

Who’s Interested in Ancient History?

tonyrussell — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 16:14:00 +0000

I was setting out our trash when Ann Willard came up the street, walking their St. Bernard, Boris. “How’ya doing, Ann?” I said. “Have a good holiday?”

She looked a little red-faced, but that was probably the stiff, cold wind gusting up from the river. Or being a hundred pound woman being dragged by a two hundred pound dog. “I don’t want to sound like a complainer,” she said, “but we’ve had better.”

It’s Not News, It’s Propaganda, Part 2

tonyrussell — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 14:17:09 +0000

“You said that the F.B.I. cleared Edward Snowden of acting with anyone else or as part of a spy ring. Why are we even talking about this then? How can Mike Rogers pretend the F.B.I. report doesn’t exist, go on TV, and accuse Snowden of being a spy for the Russian secret police?”

It’s Not News, It’s Propaganda, Part 1

tonyrussell — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 15:33:17 +0000

I was out walking my dog the other morning, and my neighbor Tom--known locally as “the gentle radical”--was out shoveling the snow from his walk. He was puffing, and I asked him if he’d like to take a break and give me a turn at the shovel.

“Thanks for the offer, Ace,” he said with a smile, “but I need to do things like this to work off my frustration. If I couldn’t shovel snow, rake leaves, and tend to my garden, I think the top of my head might periodically blow off.”

Everyone Else Gets Priced Out of the Game

tonyrussell — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 18:27:18 +0000

“Excuse me for interrupting, Congressman, but I thought you might like to know that Theresa has been in the waiting room for almost two hours now, hoping to see you.”

“Theresa?”

“She’s the new aide in our Scottsville office.”

On the Side of Terror

tonyrussell — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 18:40:51 +0000

“Congressman, you have a noon meeting with a group of peace activists who want to talk with you about your position on Syria. And I should warn you that there are some TV vans down in the parking lot.”

Of Principalities and Powers ~ “Doesn’t the Pope Realize It’s Football Season?”

tonyrussell — Tue, 03 Sep 2013 14:56:44 +0000

“A person could perish of entertainment....” - Garrison Keillor

“Did you see that the Pope has called for people around the world to get together for a day of prayer and fasting this Saturday?” asked my neighbor Harmon, looking up from his newspaper.