I’ve just finished listening to Lewis Black’s most recent comedy album, Stark Raving Black. I have to say, it’s my favorite since Rules of Enragement. It of course features the traditional ranting of Lewis, but I think the recent political climate really lends itself to his type of skewering.

Being a Nashville native, I’m used to seeing country stars around town. His description of his encounter with Vince Gill and Amy Grant is priceless. He also mentions “his generation’s” many foibles. While every generation has such shortcomings, only a member of that generation can properly roast it. I think my favorite part of his comedy is the fact that he says out loud what many of us are thinking. In a sense, politicians are fucked, and we’re sick of it.

I would also recommend you check out the documentary he filmed during this time, Basic Black: The Lewis Black Story. It really is more documentary than stand up comedy, and it shows the very human side of Lewis. I recommend this new album, as well as the documentary, to any Lewis Black fan.

Here is Senator Alexander’s response to the email I posted recently. I really do appreciate his response. Let me know what you think.

Dear Mr. Sanders:

Thanks very much for getting in touch with me and letting me know what’s on your mind regarding the shooting of Congressman Gabrielle Giffords. I was horrified by this attack that left six people dead and over a dozen wounded. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and their families.

This rampage occurred as Congresswoman Giffords was meeting with constituents in Tucson, Arizona at a “Congress on Your Corner” event in front of a supermarket – just days after the congresswoman participated in the reading of the U.S. Constitution on the floor of the House of Representatives where she read the First Amendment – perhaps our most prized amendment. That event in Tucson was supposed to be exactly what the First Amendment is about: peaceable assembly and the right to petition the government. That’s such a fabric of American life that we have to continue it.

Of course, we want civility instead of incivility – and, of course, we don’t want violence. But, in all the talk of this tragic attack, we have to be careful about imputing the motives or actions of a deranged individual to any particular group of Americans who have their own political beliefs. What we know about this individual, for example, is that he read works by Karl Marx and Adolph Hitler. We know that he posted a video of someone burning the American flag. That’s not the profile of a typical Tea Party member, and that’s the inference being made by some. It’s tempting to say this person’s actions might have been a result of this other person’s comments, but I think we need to be very, very careful about imputing any of these actions to someone else.

Obviously, we’re much better off in our country if we peaceably assemble, treat each other with respect, show courtesy, and condemn people who go over the line – and particularly those who do it violently as we saw in Tucson. Even as we vigorously debate difficult issues like immigration or taxes or the health care law – and vigorous debate is what the First Amendment is all about – we ought to respect each other’s ideas and do our best not to inflame passions.

I’m grateful you took the time to let me know where you stand. I’ll be sure to keep your comments in mind as this tragic event is discussed and debated in Washington and in Tennessee.

Sincerely,

Lamar

I wrote an email to my U.S. Senator, Lamar Alexander, tonight. It was prompted by his criticism of the media discussing Sarah Palin’s infamous Crosshairs map. I’ll post any response I get.

Mr. Alexander,

I am a 34 year old Tennessean who can actually remember when you were governor of this wonderful state. I have generally supported your political career, and actually voted for you in 2004.

However, I am very troubled by your criticism of the media’s use of Sarah Palin’s crosshairs map. It is the media’s job to provide news and analysis, and the crosshairs map happened to be one of the first things I thought of when I heard about the shootings in Tucson. When the map first appeared, I found it at best distasteful, and at worst a dangerous addition to the national conversation. I believe anyone who uses violent imagery to back up a point shows a supreme lack of character. Needless to say, I find Palin lacking in that department.

This great land must regain a sense of civility in the national conversation. As my senator, I expect you to champion this much needed civility. This nation’s other leaders must also champion civil discourse and mutual respect.

I will be interested to see how you, Mr. Corker, my U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, and others work at changing the culture in politics.  I ask you to make Tennessee a leader in that department, because, quite frankly, it was not one in the most recent political season. Let’s move away from polarizing rhetoric meant to instill fear. Let’s get beyond Democrat and Republican.

I expect much from my elected leaders. I think that is my job in return for citizenship. I am expecting you and our other leaders to lead us in the right direction.

Respectfully,

Jonathan Sanders
Nashville, TN