Trump Rally @ SNHU Arena

There are some things I've done in life, but will never do again, things like touch a hot stove, bite into a ghost pepper, and attend a Donald Trump Rally.

As part of my effort to video every presidential candidate who visits New Hampshire, I filed for press credentials for the Trump rally in Manchester.  When they came through, I was in Maine with my wife for R&R.  I realized that I might not be able to make the event.  It would require leaving earlier than we had planned. It would be tight, but thanks to a wonderful, understanding, and supportive wife we headed back home right after breakfast.

When I got home I began to gather my gear. I knew it was going to be a long day, so I packed accordingly. I had the studio camera and tripod that I would set up in the press area. I had my personal camera to get shots of the crowd inside and out. I also packed an extra cell phone, iPad, two small tripods, and a mono-pod, along with a small hand cart for easy transport. Contained therein where a half-dozen mistakes.

I've covered about a dozen candidates and each one was a relaxed, simple check in. They were easy to easy set up and shot. This would be different. As a novice to a high security shoot, I soon learned about my newbie mistakes.

After parking the car, I loaded up my gear and walk the block and a half to the arena. Unfortunately, pre-setup was from 10:00-12:00 and I missed it by 2 minutes. That meant  that  I had to wait until 2:30 to set up.  So it was a block-and-a-half back to the parking lot, where I put the gear back in the car.

I grabbed my smaller camera, and decided to spend some time filming the crowd that was already forming in front of the arena.  As I took shots, I spoke with a few folks. There was no doubt of their support, love and admiration of Donald Trump. At no time did I have cause for concern. If they considered us fake news reporters, it did nothing to dampen their enthusiasm to get in front of the camera.

As 2:30 rolled around, it was time to get my credentials and set up. I packed everything back up again and headed to the back of the building for press check in. There were about 100 members of the press waiting to get in. Most had already been set up inside, and just had to go through a typical TSA body scan.

The rest of us had to put all of our equipment on the lawn, start all of our electronics, and then do the body scan. While all of this was going on, there was security with bomb-sniffing dogs checking the bags and the vans in the press area. I took out my cell phone and began filming, which I quickly learned was a no-no.

Armed with my credentials, I loaded everything back up on my cart and headed to the inside press area to set up on the risers. It wasn't long before I realized that going down about 50 stadium steps with a cart full of equipment was not going to work.

Putting the backpack on, I threw 1 camera bag over my shoulder, the tripod case over my other shoulder, grabbed the other tripod in my left hand, and the handcart in my right. Navigating the 50 steps wasn't fun at 2:30 in the afternoon, and I knew repeating it going up the steps at 9 at night with about 12,000 people trying to get out of the arena was going to be even less fun.

When I reached the camera risers, I saw that pretty much every spot was already filled, but there was one open prime spot left in the second row from the front. I asked the staffer if I could set up there. He said it was reserved for networks that had correspondence with them. He asked if I had a correspondent and I said that I had one coming. I didn't, but it was still a few hours before things would start, and I figured I would take my chances.

I set up right next to Fox and pointed the camera to the gap between the White House camera and the Press pool camera that we're set up directly in front of me.

Once I was set up, chatting with the folks around me. Keiko Hiromi , a freelance photo journalist, was only about 5 feet tall. I invited her to stand in front of me because she was small enough to not block the camera, and I jokingly told her she was my correspondent.

As the arena filled, there were there or four platforms set up for photographers.  Every time one of them pointed to an area of the audience, the entire section reacted with sign waving and cheers.

As we drew closer 2 event time music became louder. To say the least, the choice of music was interesting, especially YMCA. At times, it was so loud that the bass would actually cause the camera platform to bounce in time with the beat. I had the volume input turned all the way down on my camera, but the meter was still redlining. In the second part of this video you'll notice the bounce and the focus going in and out because of the music and bouncing platform. When it was time for the president to arrive, the lights in the arena began changing with the music and the only thing missing we're pyrotechnics.

 

As Trump made his way to the stage, the crowd went wild and gave him a full 5+ minute ovation.

The rest of the night went pretty much as I had envisioned, but the noise intensity, and fervor of the crowd was something that one must experience to appreciate. His talking points, name calling, and had been heard by everyone in the room, but the crowd responded to each one with deafening approval.

When he started talking about the fake news, he pointed to us and said, "Look at all of them" and 12,000 heads turned toward us and booed. As I looked around the room, it was obvious that many were just having fun, but others were less than jovial as they flipped the finger in our direction. One woman, wearing a CNN shirt which had the Soviet hammer and sickle as the C, spent a good part of the night standing right in front of us in her personal Tienanmen Square moment. Serious or jovial, they were all being controlled by the master puppeteer on stage.

The only thing new to me and this crowd were the banners around the stadium reading, Keep America Great, a prelude to an audience poll to determine if it should replaced Make America Great Again. The NH audience endorsed it wholeheartedly. You can watch the full hour and twenty-eight minute speech on RCTV's Streaming channel by clicking the image below.

When it over, I packed my gear and began to head to the exit with 12,000 people who had not long ago booed me and the other press representatives. I was very pleasantly surprised at the number of people who stopped to let me pass or even stopped others to let me through. It reminded me that we are all in this together and have to make it our job to heal the divide.

Gun Safetey and Driving

I was sitting at my computer checking email and watching news coverage of the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton. Because I do own guns, I get plenty of mailings. Most are OK, but one came today that is a prime example of why I left the NRA and why we to have to remove loop holes and institute background checks and other measures to keep guns out of the hands of those who would abuse them.

Below is the ad word for word, except that I made a few word cross outs and substitutions to make a point that will become self evident. Imagine if your child was of age to get a drivers license...

First, if you act fast you can download the nation’s best Concealed Carry Permit Drivers License available today. It’s important you download it ASAP as anti-gun groups are trying to get rid of it. Fortunately, because of a legal loophole you can still download a certification for America’s top CCW gun permit Drivers License from this website. (And you don’t have to leave your house to do it).

It’s as simple as visiting this site and answering a few questions (they’re simple). Plus you can complete the entire certification process online. Download it directly to your phone or computer in as little as 30 minutes.

You don’t even need to own a gun have a car to get this permit. That’s why it’s been named America’s #1 Concealed Carry Permit Internet Driver's License. 31 states have agreed to accept this permit so far (it’s simply the closest and easiest path to a semi-nationally recognized permit that’s available right now).

This permit isn’t just a basic concealed carry permit driver's license either. It’s one of a kind… and is available to you No Matter what state you reside in. But there is one thing you need to know…

Since this loophole makes it so easy to get this permit, pro-gun-control sensible lawmakers are aggressively searching for ways to ban access to it. As such, you’ll need to download your online certificate today, especially since tomorrow this fast-track site could be shut down for good.

If you ever thought about getting a concealed carry permit online driver's license here is your chance to carry legally. If you think you know some “gun basics” "driving basics" click here and download the certification today.

New Hampshire Campaign Finance

Last night I attended a non-partisan campaign finance forum at IGHMS, sponsored by the Raymond Democratic Organizing Committee. The event was organized by Nate Bernitz, and moderated by Representative Kathy Hoelzel. The participants were Steve Marchand seated on the right and representing the left, and Greg Moore seated on the left representing the right. They both agree that the system is broken, but disagree considerably on what should be done about it.

Watch the Full Forum on RCTV Streaming

In today's polarized atmosphere it was refreshing to sit for two hours without hearing a single angry word or disparaging remark by either participant or audience member. Each participant focused on their plan rather than denigrating their opponent's plan or attacking them personally. It was the kind of discussion that should be taking place in Concord, in Washington, and online. It can serve as a model for other to follow.

The participants and even the audience members have probably forgotten more about campaign finance than I know. Long ago I was told that a fool is one who knows not, and knows not that he knows not. So I went to learn more. I went to learn from those who did know.

I will tell you up front I went it with a bias. From what I do know, it was my belief that Citizens United was about the worse thing that has happened to our campaign finance system in a very long time. However, I also went it with an open mind. That being said, while I learned a great deal about the complexities of the system, nothing was said that changed my mind.  If anything, I am now more convinced that Citizens United is critically flawed. Let me to tell you a bit about what I learned.

Steve Marchand wanted to replace the current system through his plan of public financing of campaigns. Greg Moore wanted to repair the current system build around Citizen United which recognizes corporations as people and money as free speech.

As an illustration of how the current system is broken, Greg Moore spoke about how large corporations often donate considerable money to candidates running against each other when races are close, or supporting the candidate who is most likely to win. He pointed out, it doesn't matter so much who wins. The reason corporations donate here is because when an issue that impacts them is being considered, they want to be able to have the legislator take their calls. (When was the last time you called a state senator and was able to speak directly to them?) By doing this they ensure that they will be heard. This is took place with Northern Pass and other issues.

Steve Marchand pointed out that individuals circumvent the limitations for donations. As an example, he told of one person owns a few dozen Dunkin Donuts in NH. Each store is an LLC. By having each store donate the maximum amount, this one individual was able to donate a few dozen times more than the law intended.

The topic of PACs and SuperPACs came up and I think they both agree that the transparency intended by regulations has become opaque at best. I seem them as black holes for money.  

Compounding the issue is the technology used to house the campaign finance information. It is not in the least user friendly and makes it extremely difficult to determine the source of campaign donations.

I have a background in technology and have created systems for large organizations. Trust me when I tell you that is NOT difficult to design a system that is easily searchable. The fact that the Attorney General's data base system is difficult for the public to use is not a question of money or technical difficulty. 

When it comes to money influencing votes, Greg Moore stated that the large size of the NH house assured that it could not be bought. He sited a bill that PASSED the Senate by something like 21-3, but FAILED in the house something like 200 and something to 50 something. In my mind, that went a long way toward making the point that the House wasn't bought, but at the same time, it seemed to suggest that we have the best senate that corporate money can buy.

Having the best senate money can buy isn't necessarily a bad thing. We always want the best people in the job, but it seems to me that we can only get the best people for the job if the "buying" is done by the people they represent.  The current system silences the voters.  While the voters are the ones who elect the representative, the huge sums of money being pumped into the system ensure that the candidates are often those who respond to the dollar sign.

Think about the two examples above.  Those thirty Dunkin Donuts have hundreds of employees.  The money made by the owner came from money of his customers and the blood, sweat, and tears of his employees, yet none of us had a say in who got the money. His abuse the system and effectively disenfranchised many of the people who made it possible for him to donate.

In the Northern Pass example, large corporations pumped money into NH from outside the state and had ZERO interest in the well being of our citizens. Their donations drowned out many of the voices from within the state. Yes, I know that Northern Pass failed, which indicates that the system isn't yet fatally flawed, but it was only because of the huge public outcry and the SEC that made the difference.There are plenty of other examples where public outcry was silenced under a ton of money.

Ultimately, ALL campaign money comes from the people. However, much of that money is in the hands of individuals and corporations so that when it is used, it supports their wishes, which are often at odds with the public's.

Having the best government that money can buy is not a bad thing as long as that money has no strings attached. If public money finances all campaigns to the same level, the person being sent to Concord will be the one who has convinced the voters that he or she is the best suited for the job, and once in office they will be accountable to voters and not big money donors and corporations. 

Of course I realize that money is just one of the issues impacting votes and there are ample examples of highly financed campaigns failing, but there were other factors at work that overshadowed financing. In many races, financing is what made the difference.  I don't have a solution, but I do have some insights and suggestions based on my experience as one who taught systems thinking and problem solving.

Peter Senge, considered by many as father of systems thinking in business, teaches if a system is seriously broken, you shouldn't try to fix it.  All you will have is a patched system that functions a bit better than before, but won't be the system you want. If a system is seriously broken, it should be rebuilt from the ground up based on the vision of what you want.

I also taught problem solving using the Big6 method. Much problem solving goes astray because the problem or task is improperly defined. In part, that is what is going on here. The problem that needs to be solved should be stated as, "How do we ensure that money does not determine the outcome of elections or the decisions of those who are elected?"

I know there is still much I do not know, and I am more than willing to listen to anyone who can teach me more, but if you disagree with me, the surest way to ensure that I won't listen to you is to attack my position or my person. So sell me your plan or teach me what I don't know, because my mother didn't raise a fool.

Stress Free 2020 Primary Coverage

In 2013, I began volunteering with RCTV, our local cable TV channel and had the opportunity to play with the big boy toys.  In late 2018 I came up with a plan that would help me provide drama free coverage of the 2020 primary that would allow people to access the views of the candidates without having to wade through flames or having to consume large quantities of Ibuprofen.

The plan was to combine my hobby with Facebook, YouTube, and the RCTV streaming server to create a set of tools and resources that could be used by people in a variety of ways without the stress or turmoil that always accompanies any kind of political forum.

Here is a guide to my tools along with links to access them.

1) The Wired Geezer Facebook page -  https://facebook.com/wiredgeezer
I'm recording as many of the candidates from as many parties as I can, as they appear in NH. The videos are hosted on the RCTV streaming server and posted on the WiredGeezer Facebook page. The unique aspect of the server is that it allows me to index the video so that I break each hour into 2-4 minute segments based on topics being presented or questions being answered. The stress free aspect is ensured by having commenting turned of on the page.

2) Raymond Community Television - http://raymondtv.viebit.com (Videos are in the Primary 2020 folder)
If you want to bypass the WiredGeezer and avoid any kind of commentary. visit this folder to access the indexed videos of all the presentations I have shot or will be shooting. So far I have Andrew Yang, John Delaney, Elizabeth Warren, Julian Castro, and Pete Buttigieg.

3) The Wired Geezer YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb3nfamt3loK1ufA1Mv78ig
The videos here are devoted to my candidate of choice, Andrew Yang.  http://yang2020.com When I mention that name, I get a variety of responses. In no particular order they are:
a) Who???
b) You mean that liberal wingnut that wants to give everyone $1000 a month.
c) Yeah, I know him, but he hasn't a snowball's chance in hell of winning.

If you are thinking any of those, you are not alone.  I thought the same thing for at least 30 minutes after I heard his name, but as I read, my opinions changed. I found out who he was. I found out he wasn't a nut case. He is actually an Independent, but anyone knows a total unknown Independent truly wouldn't have a chance. He a visionary who actually has plans and policies thought out and carefully detailed in his book and on his website.

While only time will tell if he can win, I see his recognition and following growing ACROSS party lines, including a lot of die-hard Trump votes who say he is the only Democrat they would vote for over Trump. Finally, and how many of us thought Trump would win in 2016?.

I could go on in great detail about him, but I'm not going to do that. I would rather you visited the YouTube channel and learn for yourself. I will give you one teaser to help peak your interest. IMHO, until recently he has been intentionally ignored by much of the mainstream media, because he poses a new and different kind of threat to the 1%ers and the status quo. What has changed is that he has been he is polling higher than at least two of the other Democrats in the image above, and that was before he appeared on the Joe Rogan podcast, where his was seen by more than a million YouTube visitors, many of whom were Trump voters and have since appeared to support him on his base camp Facebook page.

A Drama Free 2020 Primary Tool for Teachers

Imagine a political Facebook page without drama, profanity, flames, or memes.

Imagine a Facebook page where you could send your students to presentations by all the 2020 presidential primary candidates.
 
Imagine if all of those presentations were indexed by topic and you could go to any part of their presentation with the click of the mouse.

Imagine no more! Just visit and follow the Wired Geezer on facebook.com/wiredgeezer , where I'm recording and posting all the candidates that visit New Hampshire.

What's that you say? Your school won't let your students anywhere near Facebook during class? Don't worry.  The Wired Geezer has you covered, because this UNIQUE format is made possible by Raymond Community Television. Just go to RCTV's streaming site raymondtv.viebit.com, locate the Primary 2020 folder and all of the video will be right there!

Each indexed topic is typically 2-3 minutes long, so you can make the most of precious class time.

Commenting has been disabled on the page to eliminate the decisiveness of typical Facebook political pages. All you will see is the candidates presentations and the Q&A sessions that follow them. However, you can send a private message to the Wired Geezer or comment here.

If you like this idea, please share this post.

Thanks,
Art Wolinsky AKA - The Wired Geezer