"The Sunday Political Brunch" -- May 26, 2013

by Mark Curtis, KGO Radio 810-AM Political Analyst There is a lot of politics to talk about this week; some of it humorous! Most of all, there is a lot to be thankful for this Memorial Day weekend. Let’s get right to it! “The Heroes Among Us” – This Memorial Day weekend I salute my good friend Admiral Russell W. Gorman, USN (Ret.). On Saturday Admiral Gorman, age 85, was honored by the Vietnam Veterans of the Diablo Valley in California, at the beautiful new Veterans Memorial Building in Danville, CA. Admiral Gorman (far right, top row in photo) had a lot to do with saving that building and its restoration. He was also a great military leader, military-media analyst, and just an all around good citizen. Back in 2003, when the TV station I worked for lacked any military analysts on the eve of the Iraq War, I spotted a car in Danville with personalized plates that read RADM. Since I knew that was a Rear Admiral, I chased this astonished white-haired man down the street, and said, “Can you be our war analyst on TV?” The rest is history! God bless you Russ, and thank you for serving our country! “Political Misfire!” – I have always been the first to admit in this weekly column, when my political analysis has gone off course (or has just been plain wrong). In recent weeks I have been suggesting in radio interviews that Attorney General Eric Holder would resign and that President Obama would appoint Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, to replace Holder. I have even pondered - if late in the Obama presidency – that Patrick could be nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court should a vacancy arise. The logical progression would be that Massachusetts Lt. Governor Tim Murray would become Governor. But this week Murray resigned to become President of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce. The Bay State will not have a Lt. Gov. for the next two years, so, Gov. Patrick is likely staying put. “Weiner-Holder, 2016!” – The demise of Attorney General Holder, and the political “resurrection” of former Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) have caused some political funnies. Weiner – who had some exposure troubles on Twitter and resigned from Congress – announced he is running for Mayor of New York this week. If he wins, some ponder a Presidential bid in 2016. Holder – whose hopes at higher office are fading – could stage a VP comeback, of sorts. The resulting “Weiner-Holder” campaign signs (some of which are on the Internet already; okay, photo-shopped), are a real hoot! As always, you just can’t make this stuff up! But my co-worker, Mayor Buddy Cianci said, “Weiner has as much chance of becoming Mayor of New York, as I (Cianci) have at winning the Heisman Trophy this year. None!” “Slogans Matter” – Somewhere in all my memorabilia, I know I still have a “Nixon’s the One” bumper sticker from 1968. It’s fun to collect old buttons, signs, etc. The Weiner-Holder joke above, not withstanding, there have been some funny name combos over the years. When Republican Congressman Don Young (R-AL) sponsored bills with Democratic Congressman Gerry Studds in the 1990s, they were known as the “Young-Studds Acts.” The fact that Gerry Studds was openly gay in Congress made the irony even funnier. In truth, the bills related to mutual fishing interests in Alaska and Massachusetts. “A Voice Silenced” – People I know on both coasts are mourning the passing of long time radio talk show host Gene Burns. Gene was well known for his work at KGO AM-810 in San Francisco, where I have been a frequent contributor over the years. Gene was also at WRKO in Boston, inspiring many of us who get “bounced” in this business, that if you are good, you can be good on any coast. While Gene and I didn’t always agree politically, we shared the bond of being food and wine “junkies.” Gene’s Saturday morning show, “Dining Around with Gene Burns,” was can’t-miss radio! Bon appétit at the gourmet buffet in Heaven, Gene! “Memorial Day Trivia” – I know that numerous Members of Congress have served in the military over the years, during times of war. Most recently, U.S. Senators Scott Brown and Lindsey Graham (both military lawyers), served in that capacity in Iraq and Afghanistan. But, I found that in the entire history in of this nation, only one lawmaker was killed in combat. U.S. Senator Edward Baker of Oregon was killed in 1861 during the Civil War. “Paying it Back!” We thank all of those who served our country, especially those who gave their lives. But let’s all remember the debt we owe to those who came home, especially the physically and mentally wounded. There are groups all over the country that need your support, to it our veterans. Here in Rhode Island, you can donate your time, talents or money to “Operation Stand Down Rhode Island.” For details, just go to www.OSDRI.org. God bless those who serve! As always your comments are welcome at www.MarkCurtisMedia.com. © 2013, Mark Curtis Media, LLC.