Citizen Carson

U.S. Representative André Carson (D-IN-7) is a bit prone to controversy of late; most recently for his comments regarding education, innovation, and madrassas. While I admit Rep. Carson has an especial proclivity for placing one or both feet in the general vicinity of his oral region and I further admit that many in the Indianapolis suburban area are, anecdotally, less than keen on Mr. Carson, I wanted to take the opportunity to point out something small but meaningful that André Carson has done for his community.

On the south side of Indianapolis, near what is questionably termed “The Magnificent Mile,” Mr. Carson has adopted a median. Granted, it’s a patch of grass in the middle of Madison Avenue that is as brown and parched as everything else in this drought-ridden Hoosier summer, but still, I think the congressman deserves credit for an investment in the community—and the thoughtfulness that necessarily lay behind it.

He’s so often in Washington D.C. with his duties as House member and now he is busy with campaigning, of course, as he faces Carlos May (R) in the 2012 general election. But there’s something to be said for his adoption of a median: it expresses a connection to his community and the desire to take ownership of its welfare that I find, frankly, refreshing and a little touching.

It would probably be a very easy thing as a U.S. Representative to just go to Washington and worry about connecting with the voters and leave it there. The small gesture of adopting a median in an area where any attention and care is sorely needed says something really good about the man.

Granted, perhaps some campaign advisor suggested the move to elicit a reaction such as mine.

Still, I think well of it. Thank you, Representative Carson. Perhaps in the fall, when the rain hopefully returns, some wildflower seeds and spring bulbs could find their way to your adopted median on Madison Avenue. Or some ornamental trees. But you decide; it is, after all, your median.

If you ever wanted to know How to Adopt a Median around Indianapolis, Here You Go.

Readings du Jour pour Jeudi (or, in Indiana-speak, “Hey, y’all, here’s some stuff to read for Thursday. Like ‘soup of the day,’ only with words. And who the heck is ‘Judy’ anyways?”)

Associated Press. “Gov. Perry tells feds Texas won’t expand Medicaid, set up online service to shop for insurance,” Washington Post, July 9, 2012.

Carpenter, Dan. “Taxes, Daniels, denial,” Indianapolis Star,  July 11, 2012.

Montgomery, Lori. “In 2009, Americans paid lowest tax rates in 30 years to federal government,” Washington Post, Thursday, July 12, 2012.

Schneider, Mary Beth. “Gregg criticizes Daniels’ surplus,” Indianapolis Star, Tuesday, July 10, 2012.

Something to Talk About

“To me the highlight of politics, frankly, is to inflict my opinion on someone else.” Richard Mourdock, Republican candidate to represent Indiana in the U.S. Senate

“Sure, I believe in American exceptionalism in the same way that the British believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism.” Barack Obama

“The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.” United States Treaty of Tripoli, signed into law by John Adams in 1797.

“I am going to eliminate every non-essential, expensive program that I can find, and that includes Obamacare.” Mitt Romney, who should probably be asked how he defines “essential” and then be asked for examples of programs, other than Obamacare, he’s thinking fit his definition of “non-essential.” The third question Mr. Romney should receive is “What if an essential program is also expensive?” The fourth question should be “What if the program is essential for some but not for all? Does the metric for ‘essential’ necessarily include ‘all-encompassing?’”

“Two Tums, two Advils, and a cup of coffee.” The perfect hangover cure, according to Liz Laughlin, as quoted in the Indianapolis Star.

“We have not inherited the earth from our ancestors. We have inherited it from our children.” Native American proverb

“We are a way for the cosmos to know itself.” Carl Sagan

Poll Position: Indianapolis

For those living in central Indiana who are concerned about the future of Indianapolis, the Indy Rezone initiative is looking for citizen input on what the future of Indianapolis should be. They have a poll on their webpage. Currently the question is “The zoning and redevelopment issue that should receive the most attention is…” Unfortunately, there is no “all of the above” choice or even the ability to choose more than one answer. Still, if you have an opinion and/or if you frequently lament that “no one’s listening to me,” here’s your chance to weigh in on the future of the Circle City. Vote here.

Lastly, the Jackassery Award for Fine Living Goes To…

Mr. Aaron Stefanski of Fort Wayne, Indiana, who thought life would be a dream if only he’d get drunk, tie his two kids to the hood of his car, and take a pleasure cruise around the neighborhood.

Awesome.

The Indianapolis Star reports that Mr. Stefanski “told officers he thought the children, ages 4-7, would enjoy the ride.”

Kids 4-7 enjoy many things, some harmful. That’s why they have parents.

Congratulations on your Supreme Asshattery, Mr. Stefanski. Bone-headed moves like this involving beloveds tied to cars haven’t been seen since Mitt Romney tied ol’ Seamus to the roof of his car. I guess if you wanna be rich, ya gotta act like the rich… Well, if you can dream it, you can do it!

Clown.