VETERAN’S DAY 2012 - LEST WE FORGET

Sunday was Veterans Day and sadly remembered without any surviving members of The Great War. The world's last WWI veteran was Florence Green of Great Britain who passed on February 4, 2012, fifteen days shy of 111.  Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I, died on February 27, 2011.  Frank was 110 years old and was identified by the US Senate as, "The last veteran to represent the extraordinary legacy of the World War I veterans".  The passing of Buckles and Green prompted a farewell for not just one man or woman, rather a whole generation, and, indeed, those millions of Allied soldiers who paid for our freedom with their lives.  Buckles was buried with full military honors in Arlington Cemetery in a ceremony presided by President Barack Obama who along with many other dignitaries who came to salute Buckles and his now departed generation.

Another one of those WWI soldiers was my Grandfather, Colonel G. Edward “Ned” Buxton, Jr. who as Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 328th Infantry Regiment, of the 82nd Division saw service in key battles in World War I including the Battle of Saint-Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.  He was an over the top commander who to the chagrin of General Pershing carried (and used) an American Enfield rifle and served from the trenches like peers Patton and Donovan earning a Purple Heart for his exploits.   Buxton went on to serve with distinction as the Inspector-General of the 82nd Division until he was returned to action as a commander and combatant in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive - the crowning American contribution to WWI that ultimately brought about the Armistice of November 11, 1918.  Many know Buxton (then a Major) as the commanding officer of one Alvin C. York who with Buxton as a “Dutch Uncle” and counselor served with distinction in that conflict. They remained Friends thereafter for life. For the record, we are assured that York carried a Springfield Model 1903 rifle and a Model 1911 .45 caliber APC semi-automatic pistol.

In World War II Buxton was appointed First Assistant Director of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and as the OSS Planning Group and Action Director of Strategic Services, was a key figure in all policy as well as operational decisions.  He was tasked with the handling of the procedural and operational aspects of running the OSS and frequently served as Acting Director.  Buxton’s life was dedicated to service from start to finish.  He was an extraordinary leader and soldier-citizen who reflected the best of our greatness and character and the values of our society.

We have many to thank for their service and ultimate sacrifice - those from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and all those conflicts before, in-between and after.  For those who kept the peace and by their service protected our borders and Citizens from harm’s way and for those members of our Armed services who participated in operations we know and many that we do not – we remember and thank you.

In our Family we sincerely thank Brothers David and John, Uncles Richmond and Seabury and all those who came before including Grandfather Buxton all the way back to Capt. James Buxton of the First Massachusetts and Revolutionary War fame. We recognize and salute all their comrades in arms.  We remember a loving Grandfather Alden Llewellyn Littlefield who distributed replicas of the original red Flander's poppy in Pawtucket, Rhode Island in order to raise awareness and monies for Veterans. We say well done...

Aye,

Ned Buxton

2012 ELECTION POST MORTEM – DUH!

The pundits are going to be talking about this election for many years and will probably underscore its significance as the end of an era.  This was the great epiphany for The Republican Party and it initially appears that they may not have gotten the message.  I’ve made it no secret that this life-long Republican voted for Barack Obama and in that Tea Party domain they call the State of Texas, voted for many more Democrats.  I feel no great elation or exhilaration with the Democratic victories, rather a somber relief that Obama’s reelection may allow us the potential to further the work of The People in a much more stable and not so strident and vitriolic environment.  Even with a Romney victory our house would have remained absolutely divided. We have no option – no alternative - now but to sit down and do the work of The People.  That charge is especially directed to an obstructionist Republican House of Representatives who up to now were dedicated only to choreographing Obama’s swan song.

The ability of Congress to do the work of The People is predicated on the realization by the Republicans (real or imagined) that they have to rethink and retool many of their cornerstone planks and contemplate collaboration, negotiation and, if necessary, concession (gads!) for the greater good. They have to understand that a platform that included a gobbledygook of unworkable, fictional numbers from an adamant, profit-driven theorist doesn’t work anymore and (like it or not) has been rejected by a majority of the electorate.  They need to grasp the concept that their mostly dogmatic views are out of line with those of most Americans. The window of opportunity for their current agenda is now lost forever as their base continues to dwindle. If they listen to the Tea Party and (according to some), “try a more conservative approach” again in four years, they will surely lose and probably by an even greater margin. 

Ted Cruz’s absurd appeal to “Restore the Constitution” (which is working just fine, thank you), may play in Texas but probably not anywhere else.  The America the Republicans are “trying to preserve” and revive no longer exists and, at the very least won’t tolerate their rhetoric.  They threw a party and not enough folks showed up.  We have evolved well beyond the northern European model and gone global becoming that which we have always preached – a land of Freedom and Opportunity for all. We crafted the invitation and they came. They are us, we are them and that’s been the American mandate from the start.

The issue now primarily revolves around the economy all within the paradigm of changing demographics and the imperative to meet basic societal needs and far from the Bill O'Reilly (47%) absurd assertion that Obama’s electorate voted for him because, “They expect he will give them stuff.”  I guess that includes me and my Social Security and Medicare benefits paid for with a lifetime of work and financial contributions.

  

The Republicans ultimately set the stage for a kind of class warfare - a “Them vs. Us” where like a dog with a sock they won’t relent and where ultimately in this changing landscape have become a minority party – and exceedingly so.  If the Republicans and, yes, Democrats don’t “get it” now, then they never will.  Having failed that, they will forever put our Republic in jeopardy.  You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or a student of history to see the markers of the inevitable all around us.

Yet, we still hear the Haley Barbours, Karl Roves, Rush Limbaughs, Bill O’Reillys and others of their ilk state with straight faces that nothing has changed (the lipstick on the above pig) with Barbour incredulously opining that it was only Hurricane Sandy that defeated them. Other Republicans have blamed NJ Governor Chris Christie outright for his post-Hurricane Sandy bi-partisan praise for Obama as the reason Republicans didn’t win the Presidency.

Amazing that the Republican hierarchy would tolerate these behaviors but, wait, they are the party.  Again, we thank Haley, Karl, Rush, Bill and The Donald and their legions for allowing the world to see and experience their absurd and divisive behaviors.  How can we forget Donald Trump who with Obama’s reelection assured, maniacally tweeted that the election was a “total sham and a travesty…We are not a democracy” followed up by, “We can't let this happen. We should march on Washington and stop this travesty.”  In response to Trump’s treasonous rant the distinguished, popular and always incisive NBC News anchor Brian Williams coolly commented, “Donald Trump has driven well past the last exit to relevance and veered into something closer to irresponsible.”  Amen… Sounds like an equally appropriate exit for the Republican Party if they don’t distance themselves from statements like that. They haven’t yet though we note Trump’s tweets have been taken down...Donald, you’re fired!

And how about that “rabble of Ole Miss students” who brought dishonor upon The University with their racially motivated, placard burning protest to President Obama’s reelection. There were no riots just a few stupid and probably drunk students.  We have come a long way from the debacle of 1962 and they remind us of an ugly past and behaviors reminiscent of the ignorant sociopaths that ran Mississippi and The South back then.  Those few students disgraced themselves and Ole Miss and have no right to continue any association with The University.  We hope The University can identify every one of them and mete out the appropriate punishment. 

The behavior of those relative few prompted a counter-protest and peace walk where almost 700 students demonstrated against this idiotic display. All this comes after the election and crowning of Courtney Pearson, the first African-American Homecoming Queen in the school’s history.  Sounds like Chancellor Daniel Jones has some work to do… Maybe those students can go work for Donald Trump.  But, back to the adults…OK, you know what we mean.

The Republicans were mostly deep-sixed by the extreme posturing and the absolutely idiotic and insensitive remarks of people like Michele Bachmann or the “dangerously stupid” Todd Akin and the misguided inappropriate offerings of a now discarded and isolated Richard Mourdock.  The latter two probably cost the Republicans the Senate and perhaps even the Presidency. After their incredibly stupid remarks about rape and pregnancy, how could anyone vote for them?  Well, some did and in impressive though insufficient numbers.  Point - If pragmatists and the center of the party can prevail, they can rid themselves of these Neanderthals and embrace a more sensitive agenda that appeals to more than just fat rich old white guys who are fast becoming an anachronism.  OK, let’s restate - many White Guys – fat, skinny, old, young, rich, poor, etc. – not including this writer. 

Results reflect that Romney lost 55% of the Women overall while losing 67% of unmarried Women. Romney lost 71% of the Latinos.  Romney lost 93% of the African-Americans.  Romney lost 73% of Asian-Americans and, frankly, most of the bloc of minority (soon to be majority) voters. Bottom Line: The Republicans did not embrace policies that appealed to a majority of the electorate and failing that – lost the election. The Democrats maintained a much more moderate stance with the above results.

So, while some very public and influential Republicans have convinced themselves that there is nothing wrong with their party or their agenda (Palin is “perplexed”), that they let themselves be seduced by that Mormon guy, damn that hurricane and those unfounded (?) attacks on Romney’s character, ad nauseum, they are not the future of a viable Republican Party.  And all that from some Holier than thou Republicans who patently tried to disenfranchise Democratic leaning voters.  Goes around – comes around…

First, the Republicans have to publicly and very quickly admit that what once worked for them is now broke and won’t play anymore.  If they can’t do that then all is lost for the Grand Old Party. They absolutely have to embrace and maintain a more moderate posture that supports realistic and workable core values. The lying and rhetoric has to stop and we as constituents have to hold them to higher standards.  They have to relegate the extreme fringes of their party to their far right domains and fight like Hell to resist any further hijacking. Though they probably won’t admit it, The Republicans won’t win any national elections on the backs of the Evangelical Christians and/or the Tea Party.     

The challenges of the next four years will eclipse even those of the previous four making a purposeful and collaborative, rational approach to government absolutely imperative.  That’s where Mr. Romney and other Republican leaders including House Speaker John Boehner can come in and riding white stallions, be partners in that process.  For Love of Country and for all the right reasons Romney (if he has any credibility or sense of purpose left) can at least try to twist the arms of those Republicans that seem bent on self-destruction and get us back on the right track.  When we realize that (for whatever reason and motivation) he represents almost half of our kicking and screaming electorate, it is nothing short of smart politics and by inclusion, the way to heal the wounds of rejection and tap into some of his good ideas and energy.

Voters have told both parties to forthrightly get on with the business of government.  Democrats need note there is no stunning mandate, rather it’s their clarion call to quickly get on with their work. And do I think that the Republicans received the message and will maturely respond?  No, I don’t.

Then again, aren’t we all happy that Big Bird will continue to be with us a while longer?

Aye,

Ned Buxton

PS.  Four days after the general election the State of Florida finally announced today that Obama won their 29 Electoral College votes bringing his total to 332 to Romney’s 206.  Obama also won the national popular vote 51% to 48%. Aye, NB

MY PREFERENCE FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS

My Mother (God Bless Her!) is spinning in her grave as I write this post.  As I have mentioned in previous posts I chastised my Mother for voting the straight Republican ticket year after year despite the candidacy of folks from other parties who were clearly superior and in a position to provide a far greater service to the public. Not surprising given her role as the private secretary for two Rhode Island Republican Governors (John Chafee and Chris Del Sesto) and as a Republican Precinct Chairman in Rhode Island and as one of the early movers and shakers of the Republican Party in Dallas, Texas.  Yes, she was totally committed to the Republican Party and there was no doubt they were the party of Right.

 

So, what’s the big deal?  Well, I voted early last Saturday and Son like Mother voted a straight ticket - but I voted Democratic.  This was no baby and bath water scenario.  My motivation was the realization that many of the Republicans in this state and those in my district have been hijacked by the Tea Party and are having a love fest with the fundamentalist Christian Far, Far Right – the tail wagging the dog.  It’s not pretty though there are still a few Republicans with reasonable, rationale and truthful voices that really care about their fellow man. We note, however, that they are few, damn few and we mourn the loss of the moderate and progressive wing of the Republican Party and wonder if it can ever be fixed.  At this point, we think not… So, I ultimately also voted for some Republicans in races not contested by Democrats.  I did vote for the reelection of Barack Obama. He deserves four more years to continue his work and clean up the mess he inherited.

Now despite all my questions about Romney, the real motivation for his candidacy and his truthfulness (or lack thereof) during the course of his campaign, I really didn’t know what I would do when it came time to cast my ballot. As I was standing in the voting booth it all came down to my concern for those same issues and mostly Romney’s repeated failure to embrace the truth during his campaign.  He is the absolute Spin Meister and I just don’t trust him. There are so many legitimate issues he could have embraced and made the cornerstone of his campaign but he chose the dark side of spin and deception.  When Romney incredibly took credit for the auto bailout, demonstrated his lack of math skills (his seven point plan), his capacity to try and instill fear into the populous (Jeep move to China?) to his absolutely ludicrous and specious death penalty for Big Bird, well, that was the end for me.

 

Romney hasn’t demonstrated clear judgment or the real character to qualify him to be President of the United States.

So, the rhetoric, the noise from most Republicans who have been obstructionist and primarily responsible for the failure of Congress to do the work of The People and then try and blame Obama even for the sins of the previous Republican administration, just wasn’t right.  Politics or not, you have to draw a line and the above spin (and much more) was it for me.

Are there Democrats that I hold in the most unfavorable light?  Absolutely, and Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi top that list.  They spoil the broth and otherwise taint what could be a better Democratic Party.  And the thought of Joe Biden being in the position to succeed an ill or incapacitated Obama absolutely scares the hell out of me. His performance in the vice presidential debates points to some serious weaknesses.

Having said that, here we all are with the opportunity to honestly vote our conscience.  Some may paint me naïve by demanding honesty from politicians and while they may have a point, I know that I’m not wrong… I guess that you can chalk that one up to my Christian upbringing.

Having said all this We really wonder if anything is really going to change. Despite a persistent negative record and unequalled, historical disapproval ratings of a dysfunctional Congress, it doesn’t appear that there will be a major shift in power in the Senate or House of Representatives.  Translation?  More of the same… Why do we keep doing this to ourselves?

Oh, and my motivation to vote?  Love of Country.

Aye,

Ned Buxton

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS vs. HALLOWEEN – EITHER OR BOTH

As we approach the end of October and the spectacle of Halloween, it’s time for me to offer my annual condensed primer on high holidays which this year will include Halloween and Dia de los Muertos – the Mexican Day of The Dead. Since they happen to coincide in the same time period, some folks, especially many of Western European descent, think they are one and the same. Reality does reflect that while they do not remotely resemble each other and have completely different purposes, they do share a common element (more later).  

This is a stream of consciousness post so I really don’t want to engage a comprehensive history of the two events except to say that we have choices this time of year.  They are light and life or dark and death.  While Halloween now conjures up macabre demons, spirits and all things that go bump in the night, Dia de los Muertos (DDLM) is a celebration of life and remembrance. The skeleton for DDLM celebrants represents the dead playfully mimicking the living while for Halloween it’s a ghoulish icon. Halloween and all that it invokes ultimately communicates that death is something to be feared while DDLM is a festive occasion which reinforces that death is a part of life prompting a reverence and respect for those who have gone before.  It allows us to connect with the past and while paying homage to our ancestors, giving us a sense of continuity and belonging. 

Halloween didn’t start the way it is “celebrated” today.  Though several theories abound it’s clear to this writer that Halloween had its origins in the ancient harvest/herding festivals, particularly the Celtic Samhain (sow-wane).  Since early societies had a mostly oral history tradition we can only speculate how long it had been celebrated.  It would appear that Samhain or a variant was celebrated centuries before “civilization” arrived.

For the ancient Celts as with most other “primitive” societies, everything revolved around the change of seasons, the forces of nature and the phases of the sun and moon. Samhain was loosely associated with that period from on or around October First to November First of each year – with the timing (as any decent TV meteorologist can tell you today) depending on the first frost and the location and passage of the jet stream.  The passage from the warmth of summer and fall to the cold of winter meant going from the light to the dark side.  So, it was the grand incentive to get ready for the winter – that old ant and grasshopper thing…

Well, along come Christian missionaries who, in the fashion of the magnanimous and conversion-minded Pope Gregory the Great (540 CE–604 CE), didn’t want to irk, rather mollify and convert the “Pagans” by incorporating those celebrations into Christian high holidays.  While the Roman Catholics were the new and meanest kids on the block they had been formally celebrating the holy day of All Saints (aka All Hallows) since 609.  However, it took Pope Louis the Pious on or around 835 CE to move the day from May 13 to November 1.  That move formalized and made official what had already been taking place for quite some time and acknowledged Samhain, opening the door to what we now know as Halloween.

Samhain was perceived by the Celts as not only the time of preparation but also that time when the veil between the living and dead (the Otherworld) was closest even to the extent that the souls of the dead, both friendly and not, would be able to come into their realm.  The Friendlies (my term) were treated with respect even to having a place at the dinner table while their living descendants told, we assume, polite and reverential tales about them.  Why?  Probably they didn’t pose a threat and were ultimately empowered to bestow blessings on the house. From that perspective alone Samhain was sometimes characterized as a Festival of the Dead. As we have already mentioned, it was much, much more.

Now to the malevolent spirits, the Unfriendlies (again, my term), who were a completely different story - apparently there to exact revenge for some previous despicable act against their person.  So guilty or not of any offense, many folk stayed inside while others who had to go out turned their clothes inside out, painted their faces or wore costumes and masks in order to confuse and ward off their spiritual adversaries.  That evolved (if we can call it that) into what would become known as “guising” and ultimately the “trick or treat” custom. Initially guisers would offer entertainment (song, dance, poetry, etc.) for a treat or money (“souling”), but that seems to have been supplanted by the “do or die” demand of current celebrants.  So, the modern tradition of trick-or-treating parallels the medieval practice of souling though with a lot edgier potential response to non-participants.  I hesitate to offer that Halloween in Scotland and Ireland was characterized by a strong tradition of pranks (sorry). On the bright side, the substantial immigration of Scots and Irish in the 18^th and 19^th centuries allowed the popularization of Halloween in North America.  They did bring us the jack-o-lantern which for them was usually a carved turnip which was quickly supplanted by our native pumpkin. Ah progress…

Halloween today is far from being a time of preparation and ancient festival of the dead no matter how many horror films you see on October 31st. Halloween’s predecessors have been “touched” and modified by many cultures (and retailers) from the dawn of civilization.  While the ancient Celts contributed their beliefs and practices to a lot of the macabre tradition of Halloween, Christians influenced mightily as well.  Christians believed that the souls of the dead wandered Earth until All Saints' Day, when as one source cites, “All Hallows' Eve gave them one last chance to get vengeance on their enemies before moving onto the next world.” So folks in those days wore costumes in order to prevent those unforgiving spirits from recognizing them and taking their revenge.  All that vengeance stuff sounds a bit UnChristian and a heck of a lot like Samhain to us.  Indeed, it was.  The question then begs, who borrowed from whom?

While it’s certainly appropriate to acknowledge ancient rites, how sad an excuse it is for those perverted few to engage violence. Reality is that Halloween today is 1) mostly a secular folk tradition-inspired spectacular where retail gains additional billions of dollars in sales, 2) an innocent costume dress-up for young kids and 3) an excuse for many adults to party hearty. Yes, it can be a positive time to share time with Family and Friends.  

So now comes All Souls Day on November 2 which is dedicated to prayers for the dead a ritual in so-called primitive societies long before Christianity came into vogue.  Christians believed and understood that souls of the faithful departed could not enter Heaven unless substantial numbers of people prayed for them.  And, yes, that was a substantial income stream for many less than destitute and prayerful/powerful clergy of the middle ages… Though primarily a Roman Catholic observance, many western churches annually observe All Souls’ Day on November 2 including the Anglicans and the Eastern Orthodox Churches.

This is our segue to the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos - DDLM) which is a bona fide religious and civic holiday celebrated by the people of Latin America, particularly in Mexico and Central America on November 1st and 2nd.  If we think that Christians of western European origins have an unapproachable pedigree not to be equaled on earth, then we need to go back to school.  The origins of Día de los Muertos  celebrations can be traced back to various Mesoamerican native cultures including the Olmecs - as far back as 3000 years ago - long before Spain existed as a country and gave any thought to the Americas. Other cultures including the Toltecs, Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec and Aztecs adopted the tradition and have carried it forward to the present day.

In Mexico DDLM starts on November 1st as the Día de los Inocentes ("Day of the Innocents") or also as Día de los Angelitos ("Day of the Little Angels") and is intended to honor deceased children and infants, while adults who have passed are honored on November 2nd. In some parts of Central America the observance is referred to as Dia de los Difuntos or “Day of the Deceased” as the word “muertos” in that culture and in that context is considered impolite, even offensive.

These are not solemn celebrations, rather festive events that border on carnival. The question begs - why grieve when you can party? Families gather in their homes and even at the gravesites of their beloved departed where they remember Friends and Family by praying and telling stories about their loved ones.  Family members bring presents for the Dead including Food, photos and other memorabilia – all intended to welcome them back with assurance that they are remembered and their company cherished.  The continuity of life is assured.

Following the Spanish conquest of Mexico during the 16th century and in an intentional carbon copy replication of Western Europe in the 9th century, a strong effort was made by the Spanish to forcibly convert the indigenous populations to Catholicism. The native cultures in Mesoamerica were not a cooperative lot so like the Romans, local traditions were blended with the tenets and practices of the Catholic faith. While the Spanish succeeded in varying degrees, the Mesoamericans still incorporate aspects of their original religious practices into their current faith. The Maya are probably the best example as they to this day retain some degree of paganism as the core of their religion. An example would be the association of many figures in Christianity with the Mesoamerican pantheon of gods.

 

And, yes, we have Hanal Pixán when the Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula celebrate the return to earth on October 31st (Children's Day), November 1st (the adults) and November 2nd (All Saints) – literally all those departed souls who now occupy another realm and enjoy a better life.  They are received by their relatives with respect and love. As in DDLM families set up alters in their homes and decorate their departed’s graves with offerings of food and candy. We could go on and on though it’s apparent that many different cultures around the world from the Celts to the Olmecs and beyond have shared ritual and beliefs that continue to this day even in our own communities.

So, take your pick and observe one or the other or both in the same spirit of those who created these celebrations. We hope that they continue forever – and a day. Yes, we are all connected.

Aye,

Ned Buxton

BIG TEX’S FUTURE – SAME BUT DIFFERENT

As Jacquielyn Floyd of the Dallas Morning News offered this morning, “Vaya con Dios, Big Tex.”  You see, after 60 years as the official greeter at the Texas State Fair in Dallas, Big Tex, as we know him, is no more.  As a result of an electrical short in his size 70 right boot and ensuing fire which in stovepipe fashion roared up to his head, our 52-foot-tall animated cowboy statue literally, “joined that roundup in the sky.”  It was in spectacular though gruesome, surreal fashion with the scene epitomized by a crown of fire engulfing his head and 75 gallon cowboy hat even as he continued his iconic smile. Many in the crowd at the Fair stood in disbelief and tears while others in 21st century form were conscientiously documenting Big Tex’s demise.

Bill Bragg, the very talented basso profundo voice of Big Tex for the last eleven years was reading a script and with head down didn’t notice the fire.  Yes, Big Tex went down talking.  Bragg with tears running down his cheeks turned quickly to optimism and assurances that Big Tex will be back next year, bigger and better than ever.    

Word spread quickly from Friends and Family all over the state aided by Twitter and texts that Big Tex had been consumed by fire.  On the job we watched as fellow workers gasped and moaned at the horror and shock of the news with this writer admittedly harboring a lump in his throat.  Work came to a halt and in disbelief, we shared photos and live video from the scene in Dallas.  The mourning process started with several folks choking back tears with the realization that that the symbol of Texas Hospitality and a meeting place we had all grown up with and embraced was now gone.  Many reminisced and shared memories about their first encounter with the Texas State Fair mascot who first arrived at Fair Park in 1952.  This long-in-the-tooth writer remembers when the original Big Tex was unveiled to proper Texas pomp and circumstance.

However difficult, we can gain some solace that the Big Tex of 1952 and today are very different entities.  Over the last sixty years (yes, he has his AARP card) he has been tweaked and we think improved especially with the gray added to his sideburns.    

We know that with the significant improvements in animatronics the last few years (just look at Disney), Big Tex’s basic movements to include head, mouth and arm will, no doubt, be substantially enhanced.  We note that in the last sixty years he appropriately learned to speak Spanish as well. We see nothing but a bright future and reincarnation of the first order.  Can’t you just see the potential for political ops? Maybe Romney will embrace Big Tex even while discarding Big Bird?

Workers have already removed Big Tex’s charred remains on the back of a flatbed trailer – all covered with a piece of canvas that reminded many of a body bag.  As the trailer slowly exited the park in funereal fashion, people stopped in reverence, many crying while clapping, saluting and/or waving goodbye to Big Tex. Fairgoers and staff have started leaving flowers where Big Tex once stood.

Lest we get too melancholy, our reflection on Big Tex’s demise prompts the assurance that the emotion of his recent exit will be matched and no doubt eclipsed when he is resurrected on the occasion of the 2013 Texas State Fair.  We hope that we will not see snippets of his rebuild during the process, rather a single majestic unveiling where we can all bask in the return of this Texas icon.

Indeed, the sense of loss we all feel now flows from the strong sense of not only our own memories but also the heritage and sincere hospitality the State of Texas offers all those who can embrace Big Tex in that context.  In the meantime, we can continue to cordially welcome those who want to find holiday and home in the Lone Star State.  No fire can put out that sense of “Texas” in us all.  As Sam Cooke once sang, “A Change is Gonna Come” and one that will knock your seven by seven foot boots off… when we once again hear, “Hoooowdy Foooolks! This is Big Tex…”

Aye,

Ned Buxton

NED’S PESTO RECIPE – NOT ROCKET SCIENCE

Someone recently asked me to recreate my tried and true pesto recipe prompting this post. I find this writing a refreshing break from my take on the political shenanigans being perpetrated all around us. No malarkey here…

First of all, what the heck is Pesto?  Pesto, as we mostly know it today, is a sauce that originated in Genoa in northern Italy that traditionally consists of basil, crushed garlic, pine nuts blended with olive oil, one-half Parmigiano Reggiano (cow) cheese and one-half Pecorino Sardo (sheep) cheese and you have Pesto Genovese.   The word Pesto is key here – derived from the Genoese word pestâ which literally means to crush, referring to the original method of preparation, i.e. with mortar and wooden pestle.  That has always been my preferred method of preparation though mostly stems from my manual pre-Cuisinart days. We are reminded that you grind the ingredients with a circular motion of the pestle in the mortar. Yes, this whole process is where we got the word pestle. By the way, the Romans ate a distant cousin of Pesto (moretum) in ancient times so the Italian pedigree is legitimate…

My Mother was a great cook though I only remember her making Pesto a few times and that was probably under the influence of my Foodie Godmother Charlotte Von Breton.  The key to this and probably any recipe is to use only fresh ingredients and serve as soon as it’s made.  You can keep pesto in your frig for a few days and even freeze it, but fresh is always preferred.  I have used this recipe on pasta of all species or even just to slather on some great freshly baked focaccia bread.

 

Admittedly, I have never really measured my ingredients, just eyeballed them on the fly until I got the consistency and taste I wanted.  This is so incredibly easy I fear that even putting this on paper might muck up the whole adventure.  This is a casual, on the fly, Family celebration where children of all ages can participate and then enjoy. It’s good and (Gads!) probably even healthy for you… My timing and attention to detail all depended on how many glasses of wine consumed and timing of the meal (ah, reality!).   

You are going to need the following ingredients.

·         Bunches of fresh and preferably young, freshly picked basil leaves - washed and dried – no stems please.  Get Genovese (aka Lemon) Basil if possible. The amount you can comfortably stuff in a gallon Glad bag is about right.

·         Garlic, probably about two cloves… finely chopped

·         Pine nuts (raw) and about a handful (1/4 cup or more of Mediterranean, not Asian)

·         Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) – from several large tablespoons to ? – do not overdo!

·         Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. No need to add much salt b/c of the cheese.

·         Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino Sardo Cheese (say half to three-quarters of a cup or more)

I rarely process the ingredients together or all at once though I take the basil and pine nuts and chop them up first with my prized mezzaluna.  In smaller amounts I then put them in the pestle in stages and with a teaspoon of the extra virgin olive oil (seems to stop the basil from oxidizing) start a moderate but not too aggressive grind adding more ingredients when I am approaching the desired texture and color.  The grinding seems to enhance and release more of the natural flavors of the ingredients.  Now, I don’t overdo this step as I want a coarser texture, not a slick paste, so a caution - don’t get too energetic here. When I have the right texture I add a little more EVOO.  Put all that into one of my cherished Brant Barnes batter bowls, mix in the coarsely chopped cheese, salt and pepper and add more oil all to my taste and desired consistency and then - consume. 

I like to spread pesto on a good focaccia bread and also serve over pasta, even on pizza and on freshly sliced tomatoes.  I’ve used a dollop along with some red onion in soups like pasta e fagioli or minestrone. This mixture can be stuffed into tortellini, ravioli - whatever.   Now having said all this, if I’m pressed for time then I throw everything into the food processor and pulse until it looks OK. Otherwise, it takes about an hour to put it all together manually.

There are many different variations on this recipe where you can use other favorite herbs to create interesting alternatives.  Try mint, cilantro, sage, parsley and even roasted red peppers or a mild pepper like poblano as a base. Of course, with the peppers you will have to use your blender or food processor. 

Now, can you add this mixture to hamburgers, meatballs or even add to tacos or burritos? You bet, after all we are in the Lone Star State!  You can play around with this recipe as your imagination, taste buds and allergies allow.  I have heard some who have substituted cashew, pecan or even macadamia or pistachio nuts for the pine nuts which can be pricey.

For me and other adults (thank you for that concession) the total experience is punctuated by a red Italian wine preferably a no-miss, sure-bet Chianti Classico Riserva (medium priced Ruffino or Santa Margherita) or any other Super Tuscan. Whether it’s the “earthy, acidic, black cherry character” of the Chianti or a cultural sensitivity to and appreciation of northern Italy (could be), it just tastes good (mouth feel and finish) and makes good sense to pair an Italian dish with an Italian wine.

When all’s said and done, just do what feels and tastes good to you and share with your Family and Friends.  Take pride that you did it yourself and in control of yet another aspect of your culinary life. Last evening, for the first time in about ten years, I did just that with good Friends and a 2007 Ruffino Riserva Ducale from Tuscany.  There’s good reason why folks gather in the kitchen…

Ciao, Aye

Ned Buxton

NO SURPRISE BUT GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT AND A DEFRIEND

In a day and age where cultural diversity is our daily reality, it’s surprising, no absolutely stunning, to find some folks still entrenched in an archaic and bigoted past.   John Donne’s oft quoted, “No man is an island” seems appropriate here for it remains obvious that, like it or not, we are all connected.

I know a successful company where in one small work area employees not only from the US and North America but also Africa, Europe, Asia and beyond have toiled together in harmony. That company, you see, believes in mutual respect in a collaborative, diverse work environment.  They embrace a philosophy that values and appreciates each individual, their uniqueness and their contribution to the whole.  In short, it works.

If we listen to the bigoted ethnocentrics in our society who feel that their reality should be everybody’s life model –then we would be back in the dark ages.  That philosophy now known as, “My way or the highway” has been adopted by some to the far right of center and especially those in that fittingly obsolete pachyderm order.   They are all digging in and in this modern trench warfare of spin and non-collaboration are trying to stave off the inevitable.

The pending reality is that non-Hispanic Whites are fast becoming the minority.  2011 saw “minority” births exceed all others.  The tipping point and redefinition of what will constitute the new minority is expected to be reached by 2040. There are many who will only relinquish their negative chorus when they pass to the great beyond. In the meantime we are dealing with the cruel rhetoric of those who only have twisted words left.

Lest we be construed as some open door liberals, we are far from that perspective.  We support strong immigration controls and, yes, profiling when it comes to the fight against terrorism. We need to control our borders at whatever the cost though we also support leniency for young immigrants who came to America as children, lived their lives as Americans and even served in the US Military. Nothing is black and white anymore. Every situation needs to be judged on its own merits.

Now, to the point of this post.  Facebook and Twitter have become the vehicle by which many in the world share their thoughts, perspectives and events of the day.  Out of those now one billion Facebook users a relative few use it as a forum to forward their bigoted rants understanding (or not) that they now have a worldwide audience. While Facebook especially seems to be trying to raise the bar and limit this abuse, they can’t always do it except in obvious, blatant vulgar outbursts.  That responsibility then falls to us.

The recent proliferation of anti-Muslim/anti-Black hate posts in blogs, e-mail blasts and on Facebook (seemingly tied to the upcoming presidential election) remind us that there are those who would occupy that ignorant dark side of any debate.  I recently “liked” an article in the Huff Post Taste about Mexican chefs and voila, it appeared on my Facebook page where one individual offered remarks as follows, “that's the one thing I've have been wanting to know...next it will be 10 ways to cook camel and sand as a condiment."

After years of enduring glib, confrontational and in your face remarks, I had finally had it and “Defriended” him on the spot (“defriend” is the term preferred by Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes). 

Now, had the opportunity presented itself, the subject of our “defriend” would probably try and spin this one as a joke gone sour.  But I’m not having any of it.  Folks will probably tell me, well that’s just him.   I say that if we don’t stand up and tell these jerks that these behaviors are not acceptable, then they will repeat them over and over…  We cannot encourage, advocate or tolerate any form of discrimination in any arena.

Now, I really don’t think that the loss of any friend is a concern to this party since you’re required to first have soul and/or give a damn.  So, if any out there who read this blog and are currently my “Friends” on Facebook and you take offense with my “Defriending”, I encourage you to please, please Defriend me… I will consider it a favor… Thanks, in advance…

We exit this week with a thought from Emma Lazarus, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.  Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me.  I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

So, there’s our charge and responsibility and the real strength of our Country… Walk the Walk…

Aye,

Ned Buxton