S3e10- H.Con-172 ("Everyone's to blame so no one's guilty.")

"I was wrong. I was. I was just...I was wrong. Come on, you know that. Lots of times we don't know what right or wrong is but lots of times we do and come on, this is one.  I may not have had sinister intent at the outset but there were plenty of opportunities for me to make it right. No one in government takes responsibility for anything anymore. We foster, we obfuscate, we rationalize. "Everybody does it." That's what we say. So we come to occupy a moral safe house where everyone's to blame so no one's guilty. I'm to blame. I was wrong."

Fairly bold words to come from a President, even a fictitious one.  Few real apologies exist- David Frost almost got Nixon to apologize in his famous interviews-

Bill Clinton apologized at a breakfast with Christian leaders after his admission didn't seem contrite enough in his admission of an affair with Monica Lewinsky-

Reagan also admitted regret regarding his administration's involvement in the Iran-Contra Affair-

And while President Obama has been called on to apologize for nearly everything by someone at Fox News, he did have to apologize when it became clear that some Health Insurance plans would be cancelled, despite his promises surrounding "Obamacare" legislation.

Let's turn to today's political landscape, shall we?   John Oliver (as he often does) gave a fantastic summary about the more flexible relationship with the truth, or more importantly; the truth of their feelings.

As an educator, I took particular interest in accusations of plagiarism in Melania Trump's speech, and how the campaign handled itself in the aftermath.  Here is Mrs. Trump's speech next to the suspected source- Mrs. Obama's speech:

The next morning, Paul Manafort (chairman of the Trump campaign) said the following in an interview with CNNTrump campaign chairman Paul Manafort also addressed the controversy on CNN Tuesday morning:

"There's no cribbing of Michelle Obama's speech. These were common words and values. She cares about her family.  To think that she'd be cribbing Michelle Obama's words is crazy."

Paul Spicer then became my favorite person in the world, when he decided to share that these were common themes and words, to be found anywhere, so it couldn't be plagiarism:

"Melania Trump said, 'the strength of your dreams and willingness to work for them.' Twilight Sparkle from 'My Little Pony' said, 'This is your dream. Anything you can do in your dreams, you can do now.' "

That's right- My Little Pony was just invoked by the Director of Communications of the Republican National Convention.  Here's his face when he drops Twilight Sparkle:

When asked about the RNC Chair, Reince Priebus, stating that he would fire a speechwriter for plagiarizing portions of such a public address, Twilight Sparkle's the RNC's Director of Communications responded that it was a hypothetical, and, oh yeah- that it wasn't plagiarism.

Fast forward to two days later, and the speechwriter in question, Meredith McIver came forward and admitted that after Melania Trump had shared excerpts from some of Mrs. Obama's speeches over the phone, some phrases were written down and eventually became a part of the final draft.

Now, this entire Speech debacle is the definition of a process story, where the focus isn't on Melania Trump's speech-giving skills or the issues she was discussing, but rather the Trump campaign's inability to manage itself.

Consider this- either the RNC Director of Communications and the head of Trump's own campaign had no idea that it was plagiarism either from looking at the speeches side by side and are incompetent, or they knew the passages were plagiarized and they were sent out (along with lots of other Trump surrogates) to lie.   Along the way, of course, they also pointed out several democrats who had been caught plagiarizing (who all apologized for it, though that is clearly beside the point), and managed to find a way to accuse Hillary Clinton of manufacturing the entire thing.

The true problem?  There is no, and I mean NO accountability regarding these lies.   The public has already moved on to the DNC emails, or whatever else, and these two and countless others continue to be taken seriously by a news industry that can't accuse anyone of lying, because the truth their telling comes from their feelings and experiences.

"We foster, we obfuscate, we rationalize. "Everybody does it." That's what we say. So we come to occupy a moral safe house where everyone's to blame so no one's guilty."

What's Next?  S3e11-100,000 Airplanes

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S3e9- Bartlet for America ("This is why good people hate us")

My wife called me out last night- I was threatening to watch the Republican National Convention- in part because I have a wildly morbid curiosity about what the end of civilization might look like, and in part because I've always wanted to know how Trump agreed to let Scott Baio speak, since he has a history of being In Charge, and I know Trump doesn't like a lot of competition.

Her point was that I started this blog to avoid this ridiculous cluster of an election cycle.

She's correct, and I'm sorry- I didn't mean to get sucked in, but it's just getting terribly difficult to avoid everything that's been happening.  So, in this blog post, I'm going to go on a bit of a bender.

This episode is centered around Leo's testimony, how the campaign got started and a relapse that occurred during the Convention.  President Bartlet, surveying the hall, talks about how the number of people in the space will raise the temperature.  Not a problem for SenatorJoni Ernst (R-Iowa), whose convention speech was slightly underattended:

This was also not an issue at the Convention's "Women Vote Trump" event.

The story of Leo approaching Jed is charming, but as an unexpected surprise, this episode features the return of Dolores Landingham, who shows up working for the then-Governor.  She's on camera for 30 seconds and manages to deliver some wonderful zingers- and I miss her all over again.

Most importantly, John Spencer delivers an Emmy-winning performance in this episode.  As an actor who was himself a recovering alcoholic, Spencer brings a humanity and reality to Leo, and the portrayal is stunning.

Since the current news cycle is focused on the hilarious process story of Melania Trump's speech (co-authored by Michele Obama without credit) while Trump surrogates are trying to say that copying 7% of a speech isn't really plagerism if the content is common words like "the" and "is" (actually heard someone say that on CNN), I feel the need to join in on the theater of the absurd that is playing out in our political process.

So, in a special RNC blog edition, is my impression of Trump live-tweeting Season 3 Episode 9- Bartlet for America:

What's Next?  S3e10- H. Con-172

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S3e8- The Women of Qumar ("That's a permeating syllogism, to be sure.")

Warning: a largely qualitative and purely speculative examination, masquerading as hard analysis of the West Wing as of Season 3, Episode 8- "The Women of Qumar."

I love this episode, because to me, it represents a wonderful and welcome shift for a few characters in "The West Wing"- most especially, C.J..  She is admirable, strong, professional and unapologetically fierce- and I absolutely love it.  Watching C.J. in "The Women of Qumar," I feel just like Toby:

So, in the spirit of my recognition of C.J.'s ascension, here's my ranking of how each character's stocks are trending since S1e1 (Up, Down or Holding Steady):

C.J. Cregg- This episode, "The Women of Qumar," is a wonderful example of the extent to which C.J.'s stock has risen since the start of the show.  Consider her rage at the decision to sell arms to the fictitious country of Qumar behind the scenes- reminding everyone that this is business with a country guilty of mistreating (a kinder word than it deserves) women.  Still, she is able to persuade Toby, Leo and the President to alter their course on communicating the early information on potential Mad Cow disease, and maintains her professionalism in front of the Press Corps, touchingly and deservedly recognized by Toby at the end of the episode (see picture above).

Josh Lyman- Who will he date?  Mandy Hampton- Joey Lucas- Donna Moss- newcomer Amy Gardner?  Amazing that there are more romantic story lines for Bradley Whitford than there have been for Rob Lowe.  A triumph for receding hairlines everywhere, Josh has had his ups (victory was his, bring him the finest muffins and bagels in the lands) and downs (being shot comes to mind, as does the Tobacco lawsuit and breaking the window in his apartment), but manages to come through it a writer's and audience's favorite.

Toby Ziegler- Defender of idealism, the left wing champion of a left-leaning administration and show.  Bringing Yiddish back to the masses in the biggest way since "Fiddler on the Roof," and single-handedly responsible for increases in Pie sales around the country.  Minimal long-arc storylines, but maximum impact as Sorkin's go-to opponent for anyone thinking about cutting the NEA, taking Julia Child off the air or doing anything vaguely reminiscent of Joe McCarthy.

President Bartlet- Considering he was only supposed to show up once or twice a season, he's not doing to badly.  Now demonstrating disarming combo of Everyman (Butterball Hotline caller, willingness to speak poor french) and savant (economics, obscure latin phrases).  Seems to be emerging from M.S. revelation relatively unscathed.

Donna Moss- Moved from "also starring" status to main character, and engaged in a "will they or won't they" with Josh that seems all but inevitable; still, she seems to have stalled somewhat into a role more secretarial.  Dating Cliff Calley was a disaster from start to finish, but remained a sympathetic character.  Season 3 hasn't been terrifically kind to her so far, but hope springs eternal that there are better days ahead.

Leo McGary- Occasional moments of glory ("Let Bartlet be Bartlet" and treatment of any staffer who wants to date his daughter) that are tempered of idealism-squashing reality-delivering.  Master of one sentence witticisms with President Bartlet, but not occupying any major plotlines.

Charlie Young- As with Sam, enjoyed the sunshine in Season 1, but hasn't seen the light of day for quite some time.   Busy with his studies (Modern American History does suck), but little focus on life outside of the office; gone are the days of clubbing with Josh, and doesn't seem to be dating Zoey any more.

Abigail Bartlet- A disastrous combination of plot and prominence.  Perhaps hindered by the real-life broken leg, the First Lady has become more and more an opponent of series favorites, instead of her 1st Season role as ally.  Add to this her weak-link position in the M.S. scandal, and it's hard to argue that her stock hasn't fallen.

Sam Seaborn- Moved from main story-arc prominence in Season 1 to Toby's crime-fighting partner and occasional quaint story-line favorite (eliminate the penny, date the boss' daughter, make everyone wear seatbelts).  Needs more opportunities to say "Galileo" and rewrite speeches on the spot.

Gail the Fish- Is anyone feeding her?  Without Danny around to check in on her, I worry.

What's Next?  S3e9- Bartlet for America

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S3e7- The Indians in the Lobby (J'accuse, mon petite fromage!)

I say this to my wife as often as I can.  It's my favorite little scene in this whole episode, which has interesting tidbits about the calculation of the poverty line, international relations as it pertains to extradition and the death penalty, and the mistreatment of Native Americans.  But to be honest with you, I enjoy this episode for this moment and the entirety of the Butterball Hotline because sometimes you just need to laugh, and this week- I've just needed a laugh.  A break from the seriousness of the world and the problems we face.  My heart has been heavy with thought, despair and concern- and it was nice to have a bit of respite.

For some reason, Aaron Sorkin has very holiday-centric themes: Christmas is inspirational and family oriented, and Thanksgiving is funny.  Let's not forget this gem from "Shibboleth":

And then.... we have the Butterball Hotline.

Highlights?
- "I'm Joe Betherson...sen. That's one 't', and with an 'h' in there."
- "If I cook [the stuffing] inside the turkey, is there a chance I could kill my guests? I'm not saying
that's necessarily a deal-breaker."

And yes, he needs to get better at the names.

Now, on to the Stockbridge-Munsee Indians.  If only the treatment these two characters (both portrayed by fairly prominent members of the Canadian Native American film/television acting world) was fictional.   Even a cursory glance at the impact of the Dawes Act on Native American tribes is distressing.  However, in the midst of the darkness of this week's events, this episode ends with a very simple reminder of how we all should be thinking:

C.J.: How do you keep fighting these smaller injustices when they're all from the Mother of Injustices?

MAGGIE- What's the alternative?


Absolutely.


What's Next?  S3e8- The Women of Qumar

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S3e6- Gone Quiet ("By and large, I'm not wild about musicals.")

Gone Quiet.  An apt metaphor for my blog over the last month.   Challenging times for blogging, dear reader.  My apologies; I can't promise that I'll get more consistent, because my summer teaching is crazier than my rest-of-year teaching, and that's pretty crazy to begin with!  Thankfully, "The West Wing" will always have my back- unlike nature, which, according to Oliver Babish, "is to be protected from. Nature, much like a woman, will seduce you with its sights, its scents and its touch. And then it breaks your ankle. Also like a woman."

The main focus of this episode is that there's a nuclear sub that's gone quiet- and Secretary of State's Grumpiest Old Man, Albie Duncan(played beautifully by Hal Holbrook) is around to tell the president that he's lost a sub.  However, as is so often the case in these episodes, the side plot is more interesting than the main.

Toby get's word that the National Park Service will be getting an additional $105 million in the budget, and while that seems like a good thing, he soon realizes that number represents the budget of the National Endowment for the Arts, and Congress wants to de-fund it.

Connection to reality?  For 2016, the $148 million budget of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) represents just 0.012% (about one one-hundredth of one percent) of federal discretionary spending.

At this point, I feel like President Bartlett listening to Albie Duncan list submarine-related disasters:

Here's a chart displaying discretionary spending for 2015 that pretty well demonstrates the problem:

That's right- you can't find the NEA on there, can you?  That's because it only accounts for 1/10th of the space occupied by this period:  .

So why does this have me in a tizzy?

Because currently, a great deal is going around the internet about Military Bands, and the cuts proposed in the Pentagon's 2017 defense appropriation bill.   Just the facts?  We're talking about musicians who are soldiers- they go through boot camp, training, and perform incredibly valuable service with regards to relations and morale.   More importantly, the Pentagon spends about $437 million annually on 137 bands and their 4,350 buglers, fifers, strummers and drummers. That’s only 0.09% of the military’s annual budget.

While I have no doubt that their processes could be streamlined and the budget could be trimmed, it should be noted that I just read an article bemoaning the ridiculousness of the Army purchasing a $26,000 Tuba last month.  It sounds ridiculous because the Tuba is inherently a funny instrument- but if you're trying to recruit the best musicians, you need the best instruments; and $26k isn't that much to spend on a tuba.

The truth is that this type budget attention is nothing more than pruning low-hanging fruit.  For each of the last four years, the Department of Defense has requested that several military bases be closed at a potential savings of over $2 billion dollars for maintaining unnecessary installations: this proposal has been rejected by the Armed Services committee on the basis of the damage to local economies, usually located inside the congressional district of the plan's most vocal detractors.

The truth is that this isn't smart saving of money- it's convenient.  Unfortunately, it's short-sighted.  Research has shown time and time again that the Arts play a critical role in just about everything good, and despite the examples used in this episode of "The West Wing," most of the grant money from the NEA goes to projects directly tied to building community or serving the underserved.

Worst of all, a New York Times article  published on 7/1/16 noted that the budget of the Military Bands was almost three times that of the National Endowment of the Arts.  It failed to note that compared to most other industrialized countries, funding for the NEA is a paltry sum- in 2013, Germany spent nearly $1.63 Billion- yes, with a B- on the arts- France spent nearly $10 billion on its Ministry of Culture- a 2% drop in funding that prompted strikes and protests.    The NEA is given 41 cents per person for the arts- compared to Northern Ireland, which spends $11.67, while Finland spends $8.42.  Amazingly, Australia spends $311.77 per person between both the National and State government.   So you see, criticizing the Military Bands for having 3 times the budget of the NEA is a bit unfair, considering if is massively, critically, embarrassingly underfunded.

To quote Toby:

"There is a connection between progress of a society and progress in the Arts. The age of Pericles was also the age of Phidias. The age of Lorenzo de Medici was also the age of Leonardo Da Vinci. The age of Elizabeth was the age of Shakespeare."

Despite all that wonderful prose, what made me the most upset in watching this episode?  The fact that Aaron Sorkin allows this plotline to die with the revelation that Congress just wants the White House to get rid of the NEA's director, some poor sap named Oakenwood: show him the door or we de-fund the NEA.  That's it.  We learn of this endgame, and then all of a sudden Toby's figuring out how to use soft money to air issue ads.   There's no defense of this man Oakenwood, there's no outcry for more funding.  Just an acceptance that this is clearly how it is.

In this instance, Sorkin went quiet, and it couldn't have been at a worse time.

What's Next?  S3e7- The Indians in the Lobby

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S3e5- War Crimes

The pattern has become all to familiar.  If the definition of terror is to make unsafe the places we once felt safe in, than this is terror; murder on such a scale that is can cause even the most hardened individuals to question the human condition.  Almost.

It's the situation that this episode of "The West Wing" starts with; a shooting in a church.  Unfortunately, it hardly feels like you're watching fiction.

Having woken up yesterday morning to read about the shooting in an Orlando LBGTQ club that has killed 50 and injured far more, it is amazing how much of this all seems too familiar.  President Obama's statement to the nation and the predictable response.  

1- "Guns don't kill people.  People kill people."
2- "Thoughts and prayers to the families impacted by this tragedy."
3- "Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don't want congrats, I want toughness & vigilance. We must be smart!"

Ok, that last one wasn't at all predictable, that was the GOP nominee for the office of the President of the United States, Donald Trump; whose single greatest accomplishment in life surely is testing the human limits of both financial and moral bankruptcy.

Response to #1- Yes.  But People use guns to kill people, and it becomes a lot easier when they do.

Compare the gun control laws in those countries.  To quote Toby's sarcastic statement from S2e13, "Do you think it's because Americans are more homicidal by nature?"

Response to #2- Here's my favorite:

That's Senator Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader.  Why did I choose his thoughtful tweet?

Simple:
McConnell has voted for a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, against adding sexual orientation to the definition of a "hate crime," and for allowing employers to continue to discriminate against LGBTQ employees. He made it clear he disagreed with the Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage, but the GOP was out of options to fight the new policy.  He also received $9,900 in his 2014 election campaign from the NRA.  Notice that his statement never mentions the community most affected by this senseless act of violence, or the weapons used in the tragic shooting.

What's my point?  Thoughts and prayers are all we will get from Mitch McConnell and so many other members of the NRA's constituency (i.e. recipients of campaign donations).  They know that if they support any type of gun control measure that the NRA will draft primary challenger and provide them with huge amounts of money to unseat the traitor.

What's the NRA saying about the shooting in Orlando??

Nothing.

But what is an NRA response worth, anyways?

In 1999, days after two high school students named Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris killed twelve of their peers and one teacher at Columbine High School, Wayne LaPierre said the following:
"First, we believe in absolutely gun-free, zero-tolerance, totally safe schools.  That means no guns in America's schools, period... with the rare exception of law enforcement officers or trained security personnel."

On December 21st, 2012, one week after Adam Lanza shot 20 six and seven year olds and 6 staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary School and his mother with a semi-automatic rifle and 30-round magazine that were legally purchased by his mother, the NRA's Wayne LaPierre said that gun free zones attract killers, and the NRA proposed funding to put an armed police officer in every school.

The truth is that whether it is Mental Illness, Cliques, Goth clothing, Video games, ISIL or Gun Free Zones (or the lack thereof), the NRA and the politicians who they support will always find something else to blame besides the weapons used.

Yes, we need more love and acceptance in this world.  Yes, our culture is far too accepting of violence.  Yes, the toxic nature of political rhetoric only feeds the fear and hatred that far too many people act on.

Unfortunately, there's no way to legislate most of what I just listed (despite racist plans to deport entire citizen groups and build walls).

What can we legislate?  A ban on assault weapons.  A ban on high-volume magazines.  Stricter background checks, including at gun shows.

17 years after the shooting in Columbine, isn't it time to actually try to stop this cycle?  With more than just social media thoughts and prayers, that is.

S3e4- On the Day Before

Ok, so after my whole Don Claudialione take on the last episode, I was totally going to make a comparison between C.J.'s absolutely brutal, no holds barred takedown of Sheri Wexler (the entertainment reporter from Dallas) and its equivalence to a horse head in the bed.

Then, I realized that a lot of time has passed since my last blog, due to the end of a school year and necessary rest and recuperation.  

So, I'm just going to give a few thoughts, to ease everyone back into the blog, into watching our beloved "The West Wing" and feeling joy in life once again.  The truth is, with all that has been going on in the world recently, we could all probably benefit from 43 minutes of escapism-Trumps claims that any judge who has any Mexican heritage is incapable of being unbiased (and are we really surprised that Trump doesn't understand the concept of unbiased?  This is a racist, xenophobic birther who doesn't think that droughts or climate change are real things we are talking about, after all) alone are enough to make my soul cry for the loving embrace of my mother.

So, to Season 3, episode 4.

Quick summary:
- Charlie shouldn't be talking about an immunity deal that everyone wants to talk to him about.  It doesn't matter, though, because he's not going to take the deal, because why can't he be a hero?  NO REASON, CHARLIE- YOU JUST KEEP BEING YOU!
- Sam and Toby throw an elbow, politically, and secure the votes needed to block the override veto.
- Josh has to put the Governor of Indiana back in his box, so he won't go around campaigning with such vim and vigor.

Coming back to this episode after some time, and a day after four people were shot in a market in Tel Aviv, the suicide bomb in an Israeli cafe that prompts political action by our fiction West Wing seems to echo a reality we might never escape.

Finally, a word on the aforementioned Sheri Wexler takedown.  It's a great moment for C.J., and all the more so because of her clear control of the situation.  This isn't the first time that C.J. being a woman becomes the story instead of the story on the West Wing, and it won't be the last.  It's impossible not to wonder whether any male press secretary would ever be criticized for changing from their tuxedo into a suit.

BAM!



... and the chemical abbreviation for table salt is NaCl.

What's Next?  S3e5- War Crimes

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S3e3- Ways and Means (Come and get us.)

Pair this image...

With this theme song...

... and you get my summary of this episode.

That's right.  One episode after almost submitting her resignation, C.J. is back, and she's pulling all the strings behind the scene.  Essentially, this entire episode is about her moving the debate from the Special Prosecutor, Clem Rollins (hard to hate a guy named "Clem") to the House of Representatives.  But let CJ tell you:

C.J.- Leo, we need to be investigated by someone who wants to kill us just to watch us die. We need someone perceived by the American people to be irresponsible, untrustworthy, partisan, ambitious and thirsty for the limelight. Am I crazy or is this not a job for the U.S. House of Representatives?

BAM!  You're awesome, C.J..  You know what would really be awesome?  If your devious plan worked, and after carefully manipulating the press into forcing the hands of Republicans in Congress to start hearings sooner so you have the enemy you want to fight (instead of poor ole' Clem), if you could have a badass tag line and a nice shot zooming out on you... 

Like the Capo you are, leading your Famiglia.   

Can you have a tagline too?  Something that sends us to the credits?

Thanks, C.J..  You're amazing.

In other news:

1. The President is going to veto the repeal of the Death Estate Tax.  He may sign it, he may stamp it, he may even sign and stamp it, but it's getting the repeal.  
2. Doug- still a tool. 
3. Connie Britton's character?  Still named Connie (seriously, was she just cast in this role that happened to be named Connie, or were they worried she wouldn't respond when other actors said "Connie?")
4. Donna- going crazy with her boxes.  Nearly misses having a date with Cliff Calley (another tool, not just because he's a Republican, though) because she was going crazy with her boxes.  Date with Cliff the Tool ends when he realizes the significance of her boxes, and that he probably can't be the lawyer for the people suing to see what's in the boxes and date the Donna in charge of organizing the boxes.
5. Lastly, Sam has some fairly decent Spanish skills, and definitely would have held his own with Cruz and Rubio in that one debate...

Lo siento por que le recuerda esto.

(I am sorry for reminding you of this.)

What's Next?  S3e4- On the Day Before

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S3e1&2- Manchester (Part I &II) (The President finds you all annoying, but not prohibitively debilitating.)

Welcome, Season 3!

This two part episode is essentially two episodes separated by four weeks-starting directly after President Bartlet's announcement that he would run for re-election, and four weeks later, as the whole staff goes to Manchester to make a more formal campaign announcement.  Shake up sections from each episode, blend it together, and you have a two-part season premiere.

Though there are several sub-plots in this episode, in my mind these two episodes circle around C.J.- which makes a whole lot of sense.  After the President's announcement, C.J. is the one member of the staff who is going to constantly face questions and pressure in the wake of his medical disclosure.  We see the impact of this news, whether in stories that didn't get covered (an agrigultural deal with Argentina), or more disastrously, on how stories get covered- as in the case of the military action in Haiti to restore the democratically elected government.

CARL- C.J., would you say that the President's situation makes it harder for him to focus on the situation in Haiti?
C.J.- To be honest with you, Carl, I think the President's relieved to be focusing on something that matters.

Bam.- and just like that, C.J., the person who was among the last to be told about the President's illness, the person who had shouldered the brunt of all the press questions, broke under the pressure and gave in to the frustration that must have been mounting (for sure, there was a ramp-up).  The quote isn't terrible at face-value, except when you consider the implication that he's relieved to be sending troops into harms way; not the most sensitive message given the circumstances.  Then, Leo decides that from that point forward, Nancy McNally will be briefing the press on the Haiti situation.  After several hints, C.J. tells the President that she will submit her resignation shortly after the announcement.   Thank goodness, the President starts to lecture C.J. and she gets in his face, which reminds him how much he needs her.  So, that crisis averted and C.J. once again back in the fold, let's check in on everyone else:

Josh continues to be Aaron Sorkin's Freudian Slip Machine- trying to fix the FDA's approval of RU-486; the very real Mifepristone, and confusing that with his misstep with the Tobacco Lawsuit.  I've got to say, I'm surprised that Josh actually asked everyone about leaking the memo and did it anyways, unless it is an expression of his frustration after learning about the President's illness.  Also, Josh needs to not make Donna get their bags.  Come on, man!

Don't play pool with Charlie for money.

Toby didn't want to do an announcement, and these signs are why.  But don't worry, he's fixing it:

Toby also has a new nemesis, and so do you.  Sensing, perhaps, that the audience missed the opportunity to loath a character to the extent that they disliked Mandy, Aaron Sorkin introduces Doug- the political consultant from hell.

Doug.

Thankfully, Doug has a jerk-idiot translator in Connie- the imaginatively named political consultant played by Connie Britton.  Seriously, it could only be worse if she spoke with a Cockney accent.

Connie, played by Connie

But wait- those aren't the only guest stars!  We also get Bruno- the political consultant brought in to help the campaign:

Bruno (who Leo doubts has ever voted in his life)

Most importantly, at the end of Part 2, we get a terrific pep talk from the President, who reminds them that not only do they want to win, they want to be right.  So, we're going to write a new book, and it starts here: Break's Over.  Cue the Band, it's time to run for re-election!

While it's clear that reelection is going to be a major focus in this season, these two episodes are very issue-light and character-conflict heavy.  I just read an interview with the producer of another television series talking about one of the benefits of placing a time difference between seasons is that you don't have to tie up every loose end.  Starting Season 3 with the last 3 minutes of Season 2 ensured that those each of those loose ends needed to be addressed, and after these two episodes, it feels like the show is ready to move forward into a new ark; no longer how he will reveal and what will happen after he does, but now how does he run for re-election, and what will the fall-out be, both politically and legally.

What's Next?  S3e3- Ways and Means

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S2e22- Two Cathedrals (Give me numbers.)

And just like that... we reach the end of Season 2.

This is a huge episode.  Most of the time, I try to write this blog like a seasoned pro who has watched this show several times, and is able to achieve some emotional distance from the plot and direction of the show.

This episode is not one of those times.  

Quick recap:
Leo: Taking meetings, not impressed by them.  Hopes Bartlet runs for reelection- even after he says he won't.
Sam: Clearly still struggling with the reality, clearly shouldn't be the one to meet with strategists.  Really doesn't think they should go on tv.
Josh: Would really like to light up Big Tobacco (pardon the pun)- generally worried.
C.J.: Still a badass, not sure if she wants to work at the White House anymore.
Toby: Offered a job, offended by job offer.  Worried about lighting the President from outside the windows.  Don't worry, though- they are lighting him from outside the window.
Donna: Still the calmest person in all the Senior Staff; manages to be worried about the President's well being and still do her job.  She's the best, to remind you.
Jane Lynch: Back in the Press Office (hasn't been there since S2e1- In the Shadow of Two Gunman)

The episode's title, "Two Cathedrals" refers to both the venue of Mrs. Landingham's funeral Washington National Cathedral and the chapel at the President's high school, where his father was the headmaster and Mrs. Landingham was the secretary to the headmaster.

The actress who plays the young Mrs. Landingham is a friend of Kathryn Joosten's, who recorded all of the lines for her so she can get the cadence and intonation correct- which might add to why the scenes portraying their relationship while the President was in High School are so eerie.  Mrs. Landingham attempts to get a younger Jed to advocate on behalf of the female employees of the school, who are being paid considerably less than the male employees (thankfully, this is an issue that no longer exists in the oh wait, I forgot it's still an issue).  This isn't an issue we're able to see Jed bring up, because unfortunately, his father has read a quote in the student newspaper-

"If you hide your ignorance, no one will hit you and you'll never learn."

An ironic quote, given the fact that Jed flaunts his intelligence, his father hits him and he's unable to talk to his father about the pay inequity that Mrs. Landingham has brought up.  However, it does help to explain some things that are shared a bit later in the episode.

Resource time:  here's your guide to Latin Phrases the President speaks in his tirade to God in the Cathedral after the service.

gratias tibi ago, domine.
Thank you, Lord.

haec credam a deo pio, a deo justo, a deo scito?
Am I to believe these things from a righteous god, a just god, a wise god?
cruciatus in crucem
To hell with your punishments! (literally "(put/send) punishments onto a cross")
tuus in terra servus, nuntius fui; officium perfeci.
I was your servant, your messenger on the earth; I did my duty.
cruciatus in crucem -- (with a dismissive wave of the hand) eas in crucem
To hell with your punishments!
And to hell with you! (literally, "may you go to a cross")"

You're welcome.

Kleenex alert: 35:28.  When Mrs. Landingham walks back into the Oval Office after the President has called out for her, it's hard not to lose it.  It's even harder to keep it together when she does exactly what everyone has been hoping for: remind this man she's known for years that he possesses the compassion, intelligence and leadership to right just a few of the many wrongs that exist out in the world- she makes him give her numbers.  She also tells him that his father was "a prick who could never get over the fact that he wasn't as smart as his brothers." This is an imaginary conversation on a fictitious television show, and I'm moved every time- mostly because of the echoed statements between the two of them in the retrospective scenes and current.

Then, the President get's in his car to go to the State Department for a press conference- and drives by the Washington Cathedral at the very moment that a janitor is picking up his discarded cigarette (the sign of disrespect previously mentioned by Headmaster Bartlet).  Aaron Sorkin is a master dramaturge, but my disbelief can't be this suspended.  Clearly, he forgot to write a line for Charlie, which should have read:

"Hey Bill (a great name for a driver)- the President asked for the scenic route."

Or, C.J. should have said- "OK- here now, after a significant transportation delay, is the President."

What am I talking about?

Now, I'm assuming that the Presidential motorcade could make the drive a bit faster, but why not just... you know- go right to the State Department?  

(Thanks, Google Maps, for making me look smart and snarky at the same time!)

One thing I only noticed this time?  The President forgoes his overcoat in the Tropical Storm, getting fairly well drenched.  Charlie offers him one, but he ignores it.  Once Charlie gets the President off the Portico, he takes of his own coat.  Because if President Bartlet is going to get soaked, then dammit, so is Charlie.  That's devotion.  I couldn't help but look- everyone else is shown either putting on their coats or bundling up even more into them.  Something about this made me appreciate the extent of Charlie's devotion a bit more.

When it aired, this episode was criticized for being a cliffhanger.  Really?  Take a second look at 20:45 into the episode:

MRS. LANDINGHAM- You're going to do it.
JED- Well, I didn't say that.
MRS. LANDINGHAM- Yes, you did.
JED- When?
MRS. LANDINGHAM- Just then. You stuck your hands in your pockets. You looked away and smiled.
MRS. LANDINGHAM- That means you made up your mind.
JED- That doesn't mean anything.
MRS. LANDINGHAM- Yes, it does.
JED- I stuck my hands in my pockets!
MRS. LANDINGHAM- And looked away, and smiled. We're in.

Leo is right on when he says at 42:50- "Watch this" - and sure enough, President Bartlet puts his hand in his pockets, looks away, and smiles.

We're in.

Thanks, Mrs. Landingham.

What's Next?  Season 3!

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S2e21- 18th and Potomac

Whew.

Just got done watching this episode, and I think the same thing every time- why does Charlie have to be the one who gets the phone call?

He spends what seems like a decent part of the day being shocked by Mrs. Landindham- no surround sound, no subwoofer, no tow package, no extended warranty.  She even paid sticker price, to Charlie's amazement.

So why does Charlie, whose mother switched to the shift she was killed on for him, whose boss and the guy that hired him were shot by people were trying to shoot him- why does Charlie have to be the one to get the phone call that Mrs. Landingham has been killed in her new blue car by a drunk driver at 18th and Potomac?

Because it hurts more.

Why kill Mrs. Landingham?  As a plot device, we'll find out more in the next episode, but that episode is more about President Bartlet than it is Mrs. Landingham.  It turns out that the actor that plays her, Kathryn Joosten, went out for a cigarette with Aaron Sorkin at a charity banquet and shared with him that she was shooting a pilot for another show.  Then, Sorkin started thinking about what it would be like to not have her in the cast... and then, she was getting pulled into the producers office to discuss her exit from the show.

So, here you go, Mrs. Landingham- the three things I'll miss the most about you:

1- There are few things more entertaining than hearing one of your parents use language outside their colloquial nomenclature.  I always felt like Toby and Josh asking Mrs. Landingham a simple question- "Who da men?"(S1e9- The Short List) was a sign of both their love of her and her role in the office.  She endeared herself to the audience and characters by responding:

2- Often times, she was the only person who could call out the President, and get away with it.  Consider the following conversation (S1e19- Let Bartlet be Bartlet), regarding his dissatisfaction with his lunch:

Charlie: He says it's made almost entirely of vegetables.
Mrs. Landingham: Yes, it's a salad, Charlie.
Charlie: The President would prefer a sandwich. He says roast beef will be fine, pastrami, sliced steak...
Mrs. Landingham: Charlie, tell the President he will eat his salad, and if he doesn't like it, he knows where to put his salad.

And he wouldn't dare try to steal her beer (S1e5- The Crackpots and These Women).

3- She kept a cookie jar on her desk with cookies that she could give on a bad day and refuse on a snippy day and always knew what was next.  So when we heard the story of her two sons (S1e10), we realized just how much she had already given to her country, and the fact that she hadn't missed a day in 14 years of working for Bartlet only made us love her more.  If it was possible, after this:

What's Next?  S2e22- Two Cathedrals

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S2e20- The Fall's Gonna Kill You (The sky is falling down.)

More and more people are learning about the President's illness- C.J. clearly learned the night before this episode takes place, where she starts her day at 5:30am with a meeting with the always-charming Oliver Babish.

The big question is whether the President's illness will be as C.J. suggests (responding to the concern that putting a poll into the field will give the impression that they revealed his MS in response to that poll):

"You guys are like Butch and Sundance peering over the edge of a cliff to the boulder-filled rapids 300 feet below, thinking you better not jump 'cause there's a chance you might drown. The President has this disease and has been lying about it, and you guys are worried that the polling might make us look bad? It's the fall that's gonna kill ya!"

C.J.'s position is considerably more jaded that Josh's because she is the one who had delivered the results of the President's physicals, and confides in Mrs. Bartlet that she saw her inject her husband with something during the campaign, and that she only ever asks the President if there's anything else she "needs" to know- a wording designed to maintain deniability.  Which doesn't bode well for C.J., who ends the episode not exactly feeling like a part of the gang.

OR!

Will the revelation of the President's MS be like Donna's Chinese Satellite- one of 17,000 pieces of man-made space junk that have returned to earth, but miraculously never hurt anyone.  In another words- does it just seem like the sky is falling, but it will all be ok?  Maybe the whole senior staff doesn't realize that this is all very benign- happens every day and isn't a big deal.  We're going to be looking to Donna a lot for optimism in the coming episodes.

The lowest hanging fruit available to me currently is to compare this whole space objects crashing safely/death by falling off a cliff metaphor chain that "The West Wing" is working to the nomination of Donald Trump as the Republican nominee for President.  Unfortunately, the mere fact that he has been nominated indicates that we are already a political Jackson Pollack painting on the rocks below the cliff- that is to say, we have already gone "splat."

The next rung of fruit available that might provide some insight into the multitude of ways that "The West Wing" imitates life as a whole would be to compare it to the end of a school year- some students rushing to leave everything behind them that they crash on their way out; others hurdle themselves through and truly commence at Commencement without so much as a scratch.  However, that's only an interesting analogy if you happen to be a teacher of high school students, and are thinking about anything besides dragging yourself across the finish line (by the skin of one's teeth) yourself!

So instead, I will get out my ladder, and from such a lofty perch, I'm going to talk about parenting.  My one year old started to walk this past month, and in the short amount of time he's been moving on his own, it has been a study in risk management.  First, let's be clear on the fact that from an engineering standpoint, it would be better if he were not both upright and mobile at the same time.  With a head that is large even by our high standards as Irish people with big heads, approximately 60% of his body's weight sits above his shoulders.  He has pudgy feet that are cute, but clearly not the most stable foundation upon which to stand, much less perambulate.  He is also unable to resist joining in applause; if he hears clapping, he must join in- whether it is on the tv, one of his toys (thanks, Fisher Price) or a parent congratulating him on his newfound mobility.  In most ways, every time he initiates movement, we are watching him enter a process that will either end in an amazingly miraculous safe (albeit clumsy) landing or a cataclysmic tumble leading to tears (mostly by us).

Why does all this matter?  Because while I would love it if he were safely earth-bound and unwilling to move that giant noggin more than a safe torso-length away from the floor, the truth is that he won't get very far in either our living room or life doing so.   I talk to those students who are about to graduate about the inherent risk involved in choosing to try something new- and my son is a wonderful example of that.  Watching this episode, you can't help but hope that these wonderful characters will find a safe resting place, and that their faith in each other won't be crushed in the process.

Also, heaven help us if "He Who Must Not Be Named" (my new moniker for Trump) is elected.  Sorry- that low-hanging fruit is just so tasty.

What's Next?  S2e21-18th and Potomac

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S2e19- Bad Moon Rising (Bring it on)

If you're keeping track at home, President Bartlet is apparently on his fifth White House Counsel in his first 3 years in office.  Apparently, they all want to have more input than is allowed; a problem that Oliver Babish isn't going to have, given the events of this episode.  

If this was a higher-budget blog, I would have created a "In Memoriam" video montage for the dearly departed Lionel Tribbey.  

Unfortunately, this isn't a higher-budget blog.  Instead, you get to look at the following image, and sing to yourself Sarah McLaughlin's "I Will Remember You" 

(try to hold it together)

Anyways- out with the old, in with the new.  Meet your newest White House Counsel:

Nope, that's not it...

Still not it...

Ok, I really enjoy Oliver Platt in "Three Musketeers."  Sorry...

There he is- Oliver Babish, with the gavel given to his grandfather by Supreme Court Justice Brandeis.  He's very proud.

So, why do we need to know about the new White House Counsel?  Now that Toby has figured out that something is wrong, it's clear that the President needs to speak with his lawyer, and begin plans to tell the senior staff and eventually, the public.  

Mr. Babish is from Chicago, and was about to go on vacation when the President and Leo show up to ruin his week.  So, after some preliminary questions and the start of conversations, Babish seems convinced that it everything seems in order- a bit too in order:

LEO- I mean, in the two and a half hours we've been sitting here have you discovered one thing 

that he's done wrong? 

OLIVER- No. 

LEO- So, what's your problem? 

OLIVER- That's my problem, Leo. Are you out of your mind? He did everything right. He did 

everything you do if your intent is to perpetrate a fraud. 

Thankfully, there is something rotten in Denmark- Zoey had to submit a health form giving medical history, and she didn't put the MS on the form, and Abigail Bartlet signed it (Lady Macbeth, as President Bartlet calls her- hence the Denmark reference).  So, Babish's recommendation is to tell the staff, tell the public, and then invite the Attorney General to pick a Special Prosecutor to dig through the whole matter.  Babish even suggests a motto for the administration in this: "Bring it on."

That's right- "Bring it on."  Meet your new media consultant:

Seriously- the movie "Bring it On" came out one year before this episode aired, and I remember thinking that it was a terrible line back then.  Hasn't gotten much better, but that only makes you appreciate the moments of genius more!

Less-Major plotlines:

- Josh/Donna update- they're talking about bailing out Mexico, but really it's all flirtation.  

- The oil tanker that Sam was uneasy about purchasing on the last day before he went to work for the campaign ran into Delaware and is leaking oil.  He's not happy about it, since he wanted them to buy better boats (or are they called ships?).

- Someone leaked a story, Toby channelled his anger at the President to CJ, and told her to find the leak; an impossible task. 

- Gail gets two fishbowls- one with oil leaking (for Sam's tanker) and one with a hundred-dollar bill in it for the Mexico Bailout.

It's worth noting that this episode is 4th from the end of Season 2- expect the pace to quicken, and for the title of the episode to ring true: there truly is a bad moon rising over the Bartlet Administration.

What's Next?  S2e20-The Fall's Gonna Kill You

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S2e18- 17 People (They forgot the funny.)

Ah, "17 People."

The composer Igor Stravinsky felt strongly that the greatest creativity could be found by establishing very strict parameters to work in; that the limiting of options emboldened the mind to explore new options.  "17 People" features the most limited cast in the series: only Emily Proctor (Ainsley Hayes), William Duffy (Larry or Ed) and Peter James Smith (Ed or Larry) serve as co-stars.  This episode is the only one that Allison Janney isn't in (she had to fly to London to reshoot scenes for "The Hours), and the show is shot entirely on already built sets.  Warner Brothers asked Sorkin to shoot a no frills (inexpensive) episode- and the result is one of the best episodes in the series.

Toby's Pink Rubber Ball plays a major role (I told you it was important), because Toby can't figure something out, and when Toby can't figure something out, he bounces his Notorious PRB.

And so, Toby thinks a little, bounces a little, asks Leo a few questions, and repeats.  For 6 nights and 23 minutes- until he figures it out.

Why did John Hoynes admonish the Oil Industry?  Why did he put a poll in the field?  Why is he taking a break from a camping trip to give a speech in New Hampshire?

Why does John Hoynes think President Bartlet won't run for reelection?

All this leads to Toby becoming the first member of the Senior Staff to learn that the President has Multiple Sclerosis.

As you're watching to this episode, the PRB becomes the soundtrack of impending doom- it's brought back when Toby asks Leo what's going on before the theme song rolls, and closes the episode right before the credits start to roll.

Of course, Toby doesn't take any of this well.  Shock, disbelief, anger, confusion; and the conflict that always simmers between the President and Toby- a natural conflict of character and personality, boils over and leads to the President throwing papers of his desk with such violence that this was as close as I could get to capturing a photo of it:

So, I wouldn't say that the conversation goes extremely well, except that after telling Toby that he's not going to apologize for not telling him about the MS, he apologizes to Toby.

So, what plotlines are steamrolled by this confrontation between Bartlet, Toby and the truth?

Josh bought Donna flowers to be a jerk, but it turns out the real jerk was Donna's ex-boyfriend, who stopped for a beer before picking her up from the hospital after getting into a car accident.  Josh/Donna fans exalt in the following line of dialogue:

JOSH- I’m just sayin’ if you were in an accident, I wouldn’t stop for a beer.
DONNA- If you were in an accident, I wouldn’t stop for red lights.

Ainsley is going back to her Alma Mater in order to receive an award and will speak out against the Equal Rights Ammendment, and she and Sam get into a fantastic debate over it.

Most prominently, Bartlet has the White House Correspondent's Dinner coming up, and looking over his speech, it's clear that the writers forgot the funny- so it's up to Sam, Josh, Donna, Ainsley, Ed and Larry to punch up the jokes.  The juxtaposition of the search for humor along with the discovery of a somber truth creates wonderful tension and the release of that tension, in typical Sorkin form.   Watching this so soon after President Obama's final Correspondent's Dinner was nice- although in fairness, most of President Obama's humor was found by simply telling the truth with regard to the current state of affairs- which is slightly depressing.

One last thing- I'd really like to know what the joke was that involved a John Wayne impression and a sock puppet.

West Winging It Blog Out.

What's Next?  S2e19- Bad Moon Rising

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S2e17- The Stackhouse Filibuster (I am full of mirth)

Damn it, West Wing... you got me again- totally trying to choke back tears at the end of this episode.

Here's the thing- Sorkin went Triple Doogie Houser, MD on this episode- CJ, Sam and Josh are all writing emails to their parents to provide the narration for the episode.

(CJ, writing a happy birthday email to her dad on his 70th Birthday)

(Sam, writing a Dear Jackass email to his dad)

(Joah, writing a thanks for the shoes email to his mom)

Of course, all of these emails start with their own stories; CJ broke a statue of a cat and is in big trouble, Sam got totally schooled by a 19-year old intern named Winnie, and Josh wore his new shoes.  

The filibuster in question is by Howard Stackhouse, who spends around 10 hours reading a book of recipes, "David Copperfield" and the Rules of Cards- out loud, without a sip of water, a restroom break or the freedom to lean on anything.  Why?   He wants 47 million for autism care and research attached to an huge health bill aimed at addressing health issues amongst children.  Stackhouse, it turns out, has a grandchild with autism, but doesn't want to use his family member for political purposes.  However, the cynic in me is always somewhat painfully aware at how quickly everyone moves to act once they realize that there was a familial connection to autism, and that was the reason behind his filibuster- it seems to reinforce that he should have used his family member for political purposes: not the idea I'd like to leave this episode with.  

Anyhow, in a wonderful moment of art imitating life, the fictional "Family Wellness Act" that Josh Lyman got passed is modeled after the Children's Health Act of 2000; a very real law that actor Bradley Whitford was involved with in its advocacy.  Whitford encouraged Sorkin to include autism prominently in the episode, as it was the center of the real bill, and Whitford was at the time very involved in the group "Cure Autism Now"- an organization that in 2006 joined with and became known as "Autism Speaks."  

So, why does all this leave me in tears?  In the end, Donna is still doing her job when everyone else is writing personal emails on their work computers (government accountability, anyone?) and not only realizes that Stackhouse is filibustering because his grandson is autistic, but knows how to get him some help.  According to Senate rules, Stackhouse could yield the floor for a question without yielding the floor- allowing his filibuster to continue while he gets to lean on anything he likes, get a drink of water or go to the restroom.  So, everyone is trying to get some Senator on the phone to enact the Donna Plan, then they're in the bullpen rooting for Stackhouse to yield for a question, and when he does, the celebration ensues- because they did the right thing.  How often is that celebrated in politics, or even just on a tv show?  Our three emailers do a fine job of summing it all up:

"There are so many days here where you can't imagine that anything good will ever happen.
You're buried under a black fog of partisanship and self promotion and stupidity and a brand of politics that's just plain mean... tonight I've seen a man with no legs stay standing, Dad, and a guy with no voice keep shouting, and if politics brings out the worst in people then maybe people bring out the best, 'cause I'm looking at the T.V. right now and damned if 28 U.S. Senators haven't just walked onto the floor to help."

And that's why I'm choking back some tears on the couch.  You got me again, Sorkin... you got me again.

What's Next?  S2e18- 17 People

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S2e16- Somebody's Going to Emergency, Somebody's Going to Jail (The Block of Cheese was Huge..)

Happy Second Big Block of Cheese Day!

It's hard to believe that nearly two months have passed since S1e5: The Crackpots and These Women, the first Big Block of Cheese Day Blog.  My, how much has changed.  We've lost Mandy and gained Ainsley, Donna is now a full (non-co-starring) member of the cast, we've had two States of the Union, Josh and the President got shot, one Woot Canaw (obviously, I never get tired of saying that) and now all of a sudden, here we are again.  Big Block of Cheese Day.

Last time, we got to see a very un-bearded Nick Offerman (of Parks and Recreation fame) give a presentation on a wolves-only highway in memory of Pluie, the now dead wolf (C.J.'s probably still not really sorry) while managing to keep his sportcoat draped over his arm.  Impressive!

(Ron Swanson, before he fell off the wagon?)

We also had the opportunity to meet Bob Engler from US Space Command, the world's single largest purchaser of pocket protectors.  

(Bob Engler- not afraid to admit that they're a little nerdy over there at US Space Command)

This year, C.J. get's the meeting we're all going to care about: a powwow with the folks from the Organization of Cartographers for Social Equality.  Donna apparently had a meeting with the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Society, but unfortunately, it's not shown.  Which is a shame, because the Kemp's Ridley is the most endangered variety of Sea Turtle today, it would have been a great meeting, and they're very cute:

(For more info and to find links to relevant organizations involved in saving this species, visit RidleyTurtles.org)

But alas, no turtle meeting.  So, on to the Organization of Cartographers for Social Equality, a fictional organization to allow CJ and Josh (along with the people watching the episode) to have a bit of a freak-out moment when they realize that the world doesn't look like what they thought it did.   

Their point?

Maps like this one-

vastly adjust the size of certain countries and continents, and has at the very center of the map Europe; not a surprise for a map created in the 16th century by a European, most of whom assumed that Europe was indeed the center of the world.  

Don't think that this map is misleading?  Or that social justice could be influenced or at least reflected in it?  Take a look at the continent of Africa.   Now compare it to the other continents.  

Now, take a gander at this:

(Check it out at http://static02.mediaite.com/geekosystem/uploads/2010/10/true-size-of-africa.jpg)

The truth is that the continent of Africa is 14 times larger than Greenland, though on the Mercator map, they're displayed as nearly the same size.   Here is a wonderful article from highlighting some of the regular issues of reporting on Africa.  It's main point?  The vast majority of news coming about Africa is coming from people who are discovering Africa for the first time, and seldom accurate.  

So what do these Cartographers for Social Justice, Truth and Light want?  More of THIS MAP!

(Seriously, where do you even live? Also, shoutout to my friend Aidan, who sent me my very own Peters Projection Map!)

(Seriously- what is that?!)

Why?  In their words, it has fidelity of axis, fidelity of position, and east-west lines are parallel and intersect north-south axes at right angles.   That all sounds great, except most of us feel like someone turned the world upside-down and the continents are all sliding to the bottom of the map.  

So, once again, the once skeptical and cynical staffers have been impacted by Big Block of Cheese day.  Seriously though- if you want more info, I encourage you to read this article, which get's a lot right.

Quick hits from this episode- Toby flirts with a cop, Josh gets a banana thrown at him and claims he almost died again, President Bartlet can't find a place for his Library, Leo knows a lot of ways to drive to the White House, Sam just found out his dad had a mistress for 28 years, and Donna has a friend whose grandfather was a spy, but we're nice to his granddaughter because her dad is sick.  Seriously, I should write the summaries for IMDB.

Last thing, and I'm sorry- but this ends on a downer.  Josh and Sam have a nice little moment about Lincoln signing a pardon on the day of his death, right?  Don't use that little West Wing factoid in common conversation, because it turns out to be a lie.  Turns out that a Lincoln researcher named Thomas Lowery altered the year on the pardon of a deserter named Patrick Murphy from 1864 to 1865, using a fountain pen that he smuggled into the Smithsonian.  Unfortunately, he confessed after the statute of limitations passed, so no criminal charges were filed for ruining this West Wing Episode historical document.  However, he has been permanently banned from the Smithsonian, so that's something.  

What's Next?  S2e17- The Stackhouse Filibuster

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