I have been concerned that too many of us who got super-excited about the Deval Patrick candidacy and Administration are bogged down right now in the negativity of hard economic times and the polls and punditry of the moment–and are not sure how to respond.
The Governor’s letter in response to the Evergreen article gives us a great tool to begin shifting our focus to the real and the positive. It provides a framework for us to see the Administration’s record and vision differently than the daily grind of headlines. I would encourage that we actually read it, find the two or three points that resonate with us most deeply, and in doing so, begin to change the way we talk.
Welcome to the “attitude adjustment hour” which comes along in every worthwhile venture when the chips are down and all the choices are horrible. We need to resist the temptation to be the sharpest skeptic in the room. We chose Deval Patrick because of an uncommon vision and depth we saw in his readiness to lead. Let’s be there now despite the challenges of the times, when social pressure so often makes good people into finger-pointers.
I think it is especially important that as progressives we handle our disappointment which the Governor clearly shares and we present the public with a realistic, positive and determined front with President Obama coming to town next Friday.
The election will be decided based on what happens in the next 12 months, not the last 12; and no-one ever made a dime betting against Deval Patrick or against Massachusetts. You may have heard me say that leadership is not about taking the temperature; it is about setting the temperature. That is the kind of leader Governor Patrick is and that’s the kind of citizen I want to be.
One thing I ask is let’s not get caught sitting on our hands. The stakes are too high and the opportunity too great. Let the “attitude adjustment” begin!
Andy Tarsy
Every worthwhile endeavor – every business, government agency and the government itself is worthy of review and 360 degree feedback. It’s a temperature check to make sure things are progressing as they should be. If you “(re)set the temperature” as you suggest- then you’re not getting good, true data. The candidate is only getting what you want him to hear..and that’s how campaigns lose. Is that enough for you? I’ve seen that show more than once.
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p>It’s important to do this review – to kick the tires and test the administration’s roadworthiness. You’re right – the stakes are high, and far more important than the Governor’s re-election bid. It’s important to make sure that our government is responsive to the needs of the citizenry – it is, after all, a government “of the people, and by the people.” To write this review off as “needing an attitude adjustment” doesn’t demonstrate a thoughtful understanding of group dynamics, government or life, in general. But thanks for playing.
The attitude I am talking about is captured beautifully in the tone of things like “thanks for playing.” And this on a blog of an affinity group where we can assume good intentions and urgent concern for the issues. So you need to check that.
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p>As for my understanding of group dynamics–your point is 100 percent valid and I agree that robust dialogue is fundamental. Nothing I said suggests we shouldn’t have feedback, discussion, diversity of opinion. And do you really think I meant that the leader should “Set the temperature” without taking input and balancing complex equities? It is a metaphor for standing tall in contrast to those who simply see where the wind is blowing. If you felt I was jabbing at you or any other progressive in that, you misunderstood me. But that is another example of how this conversation and the way our peers are talking sometimes has become a distraction from our purpose.
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p>I offered my comment in peace and with respect, and with urgency because the most vulnerable in our society need us to succeed and all of us want to succeed.
It’s not OK for a progressive governor to lose because the base was so upset about the horrible choices that it chewed itself to pieces. That is my opinion, not my accusation of anyone. I am grateful to be part of the conversation and listening as well as talking. My sense is that the Governor is too and he is fired up to get the best of our ideas and make them work as best they can.
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I think not, rather I know not especially on this board. Echoes of obsolete dumbed down media talking points of the left leaning variety only are allowed here just like the blacklisted topics of dailykos which have fractured and divided the larger “progressive” movement.
We are the same as the teabaggers in that aspect, our way or the highway.
this obnoxious? Please don’t lecture me, AndyTarsy. I don’t know you from a hole in the wall, but if you’re any example of the folks the Governor is surrounding himself with, then no wonder people think he’s tone deaf. So, “check this.”
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p>This Governor has made some horrible choices that have nothing to do with the economy, Andy, and I mean that with peace and respect. He has made some abominable appointments that resemble the handiwork of the governors before him. This was supposed to be “no more business as usual.” Not so much. I am happy to give you the list. It starts with A-my name is Aloisi and ends with the near appointment of W-my name is Walsh.
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p>Other horrible, non-economy choices include calling CitiGroup for Ameriquest. Signing a book deal in NY on the day of the Casino vote? And then yesterday, he announced more sweeping cuts to the state budget, and layoffs when we’ve learned that he’s provided $63.6 million in state and local aid for a favored “green” company. Pardon me, if I’m in a foul state of mind.
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p>BTW, what you do know about vulnerable, Andy, and I mean this in peace and respect?
Are you aware that this Governor is closing down state-run facilities for the most profoundly impaired, medically fragile people with developmental disabilities? “Community First” is code for give the vendors the contracts, AndyTarsy, despite the fact that studies have shown that these fragile people die at a significantly increased rate upon being de-institutionalized. If this is an example of being a “friend” of the vulnerable, then they don’t need any enemies. Of course, the Governor did hire a vendor head to run the department, so I guess we shouldn’t be too surprised. I’ll email the studies to you.
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p>If this progressive governor loses, it will be because he is his own worst enemy. And I mean that with peace and respect.
It’s generally pretty simple. Criticize actions and policies you oppose, and praise those which you support, in proportion to their importance to you.
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p>Whether policies are good or bad can be debated. All this about “attitude adjustment”, “finger-pointers”–it’s all a big distraction.
Geez, there must be something in the water at BMG. This is nothing but a harmless little cheerleading diary meant to help people sort of recalibrate their thinking, but the tenor of the responses are less than charitable. Between Bob’s meanspirited stomp all over Kyle’s diary yesterday and the gratuitous nastiness of the comments here, it looks like the diarist makes a larger point than he intended.
exactly