Dark money

In today’s episode of Antiestablishmentariansm (yes, its a word, look it up) we’re going to talk a little bit about dark money. That’s a term that I think might have a few definitions. To me, that term refers to the money received by a politician, that influences that politician to vote against the best wishes of hers or his constituency. Now, I’ll give you some examples: when our Congress voted to sanction Iran last year, despite Iranian compliance with the nuclear deal, dark money likely “bought” that vote. In 2011, Congressman Thompson voted to prohibit the EPA from protecting our waterways from pesticides. That vote was likely bought by money from wineries. And when the congressman voted against protecting our shores from offshore drilling in 2008, it was probably due to all the oil money he was taking.
So, when Mr. Thompson says that he will support something like single-payer health care during Republican control of both houses, after many years of being against it, a quick look over his donation records (http://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/com_rcvd/C00326363/) show so many insurance and pharmaceutical donations, it’ll take a while to read. You have to question the honesty of that support.

Jason Kishineff;
Green Party candidate, California’s 5th District

Another standing ovation for Benicia Chamber Players

On Sunday, May 15, the Benicia Chamber Players brought their hearts and souls to the Benicia State Capitol for another outstanding concert. They began with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s String Quartet in G Major, k 387, the first of the six quartets that the 26 year-old Mozart dedicated to his close friend Joseph Haydn.
Violinist Brian Lee led violinist Stephanie Ng, violist Yuri Kye and Cellist Brady Anderson in a joyous rendering of the first movement, bringing out a true sense of renewal in what has come to be called the “Spring Quartet.” Mozart’s eccentric rhythms of the second movement brought smiles to the players and audience alike. The tranquil third movement of contemplation was followed by the rousing closing movement, and both were played flawlessly and with great emotion.
Continuing in the same key, and with the addition of violist Liana Matfis and cellist Michael Graham the group played Johannes Brahms’s String Sextet in G Major. According to Brahms’s biographer Karl Geiringer, the first movement conceals a tribute to his former fiancée, Agathe von Siebold, by including a theme built on the notes corresponding to the pronunciation of her first name. There is certainly a sense of yearning from the very first note. The balance of the four darker toned instruments with the two violins, also brings a more somber mood to the piece. The following Scherzo movement gives each musician a chance to shine, which they did with great gusto. The ethereal third movement made one almost hold one’s breath. The lyrical final movement is a real team effort and was beautifully played by all.
This concert was again of the highest technical standard and the greatest emotional expression, leading to a standing ovation by the entire audience.
Founder of the Benicia Chamber Players, Clifton Foster, introduced the performance and explained that changes had to be made to the original program because of an injury to his shoulder, but that he would be back to playing next season.
Welcome back, Benicia Chamber Players! Looking forward to next autumn!

Peggy Duly,
Benicia

Sharing is caring!