moscow

I've tried not to pay close attention to the roiling Mosque/Islamic Center at Ground Zero controversy, but there appear to be multiple arguments made by the Antis.

1. Offends victims of 9/11
2a. Funded by Saudis
2b. Saudi money will turn people who visit the center into Sharia-ists and terrorists
3. Islam is a murderous ideology
4. Rauf is a trojan horse terrorist

I find:

#1: to be reasonable, but not persuasive. The logical or moral arguments for why this would be the case need to be elaborated. Why are the victims of 9/11 relevant? How and why would they be offended?

#2a: this could be true, yet it could be irrelevant vis-a-vis the proposed center. Presumably, if it were funded by Bill Gates there would be no controversy for the Antis (I don't believe this).

#2b: this would help #2a, but it is conjecture not fact. One would have to spell out how this would happen in the USA.

#3: Whether this is true or false, it is irrelevant to the matter at hand (the location of the center).

#4: There's no evidence for this.

What I would prefer from the Antis is some honesty. I would prefer that they simply, openly state their hatred of Islam and Muslims, because this antipathy is the premise for #1-4, which are rationalizations of it. In fact, #1-4 would be unnecessary if this simple statement of hatred were articulated.
In other words: "We hate Islam and Muslims, that's why we don't want this center to be located near 'Ground Zero."

This is the only "Anti" reason that is compelling, and, although I don't agree with it, it has the merit of being less obfuscatory than the other arguments.

stroller mafia

Technology is making gestures precise and brutal, and with them men. (...) Thus the ability is lost, for example, to close a door quietly and discreetly, yet firmly. -- Adorno

Likewise, the ability to traverse public spaces in discreet lines is lost. The 7th Avenue sidewalks are virtually blockaded by parents or nannies pushing baby strollers in a haphazard manner. I have often wondered what hormones are triggered when one steers a six, eight, or sixteen wheeler (that double-wide dreadnought, equipped with multiple cup holders and independent storage unit) that cause a distinct lack of awareness of surrounding objects to occur. On narrow passages, two side-by-side strollers forestall passage in either direction. The sheer obliviousness of the stroller mafia is maddening. Should not the rules of the road apply to the sidewalks? Two single lanes, passing on the right, no stopping without signaling?

Until the DMV's bailiwick is expanded to include licensing for stroller drivers, a special stroller lane is necessary.

archive fever

9.14.90

It is the archetypical melting pot on the verge of meltdown. Jewish, Irish, Caribbean, Puerto Rican, Latin, black, and women's herstories mix in an easy uneasy way. This is New York City. I live in fortress 2C, next to the Irish bar, next to the Cuban bakery, next to the Korean fish market, next to the Caribbean/Latin Superette, next to the Chinese laundry, next to the Armory. Suspicion is the watchword. Everyone is a potential victim because everyone is a potential murderer. This is a conformist town. Fit in  or be shot. Look the same or always cover your back. Talk too much to neighbors and come home to an empty space. Hi and goodbye. Sun-glassed smiles and nods of the head say "make this brief." 

9.15.90

Fall weather brings the aroma of stale urine closer to home. Rose of India restaurant on E. 6th St. They sell food and culture. The selling of the latter detracts from the taste of the former.

9.20.00

"Back in New York City..." Now at Gothic University, straight out of Straight Man. These people, my putative colleagues, are beleaguered. What was an attempt at unity turns rancorous; the lead organizer, accused of exclusionary practices, which he denies, but which everyone knows is true, leaves the table, the room, the universe, ten minutes before quitting time. To wit. And henceforth. Before this happy event, another one -- one of my putative colleagues -- says something like: "I am the only ____ woman left and that tells me I HAVE NO FUTURE HERE." You can fill in that blank. 

9.21.00

Gothic University. Nightmare on Elm Street. The room seethed with barely repressed rage as good Dean T. delivered her state of the division speech. Upbeat. Up enrollments. New plans to better utilize resources -- double the exploitation. The Dean has her boots pressed on the necks of these faculty members but she also wants no rough edges or worn heels. Sorry -- step on eggs, wipe the yolk off your feet.