So Long, And Thanks For All The Fish
Submitted by Jerid on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 4:44am.
Real life caught me. I'm leaving the Buckeye State Blog.
When I was 20, I temporarily dropped out of college to thruhike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. One of my top five memories in this life is of an evening I spent on the beach of Maine’s Flagstaff Lake, sitting in the middle of the woods skipping stones into dark waters by my lonesome. Pebbles sliding across the deep blue; watching the ripples spread.
One of the biggest ripples in my life started in 1984; I was straight out of the womb when poppa Kurtz, a foreman at GM Harrison Radiator, hopped off a platform and injured himself at work. A few weeks later my dad was walking to his car after his first Friday back to the job when he collapsed in the Moraine plant parking lot. Hitting the pavement was the first sign that the undiagnosed avascular necrosis, stemming from the original work injury, had eaten through both of his hips, crippling him. Life throws you a curveball.
You see, I believe in the power of the Federal Government to help people help themselves – as it helped me. While my parents litigated for six years against Harison Radiator for worker’s compensation and a disability retirement package, Uncle Sam helped with the bills. As the economic pressure slowly crippled my parents marriage - like my dad’s legs - to the point of domestic violence, Social Security kept my Scooby Doo lunchbox full. And it's seemed as if every time I'm about to slip through the cracks, the government's safety net catches me. Whether it was paying for advanced college classes in high school (making it possible for me to graduate on time and achieve my AT dreams), making college economically viable for me, or getting me through law school, I've always had a soft landing. Not to say my parents, two Ohio University dropouts, made all the best choices for our happy home, but they tried. They tried damn hard.
I believe in the principles of the Democratic party because, from experience, it takes care of folks like me. That's why I believe zealously in people like Barack Obama, Mary Jo Kilroy, Bill O'Neill, Vic Wulsin, John O'Grady, John Boccieri,Tim Ryan, Nancy Garland, Mike Foley, the list goes on. Lord knows in this past year I've met some of the most passionate, caring folks I'll ever know - both politicians and staffers. They help cats like me get on our feet and make the best of ourselves. That's why I've blogged here for over the past year - because, like so many others much better than myself, the meek need fighters.
Not to say we as a party don't have our own failings. Look only as far as Marc Dann or Ray Miller to find those that greedily betray our principles for themselves. But it's up to us to keep the party in check, and keep that minority from tainting the whole.
But as you can see, I've unfortunately accepted a legal position this summer that limits my political voice. I'd hoped to finish out the 2008 election cycle electing the next President of the United States, but it's apparent now that this summer, and my ensuing hunt for full time employment, are going to curtail my political expression [pst, wanna hire me?]. Not to say I'll be on the sidelines forever, just right now my hand's been forced. And [chuckle] as I've got to remind all the enterprising GOPers out there, my views at this site have always been entirely my own, not sponsored or approved by any past or future employer [sigh].
As for the future, you've got two very capable land lubbers coming on board the Jolly BSB. From here on out, Dr.Truth and David Potts (formerly or currently from Ohio Valley Politics) will be running the show. And I promise I'll have that new BSB platform up for all very, very soon.
Holler. Y'all have been real. Thanks for putting up with me. And sorry for being a Debbie Downer with the intimacy of this post, I just felt like letting all of you know there always was a bigger reason for the flippant rants and funny pictures. For reals.
Stay in touch: jerid.kurtz@gmail.com or (216) 392-8198.
not fooling anyone...
Submitted by J-Dog on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 7:19am.
Jerid, everyone knows you're really just heading off to Guam for the May 3 primary there. Nice cover, but we aren't buying it.
In case I'm wrong, thanks for your great work over the past year!
Thanks, Jerid, and good luck to you
Submitted by Susan on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 7:28am.
My father died suddenly when my sister and I were still teenagers, and the government helped us land on our feet too.
Now, I'm reaching out to the government again for help with my mother's nursing home expenses. Most working class people don't have the kind of money socked away that this requires. Like you, I'm a big believer in the idea that one of the functions of government is to make sure all its citizens can meet their basic needs.
Forget this bi-partisan, kumbaya shit--we have GOT to eradicate all these cold-hearted conservative Republicans from positions of power where they can line their friends' pockets and screw ordinary people. And we can't let the Democratic party become an elitist one that shrugs off working class people who aren't college educated as dumb, while we engage in navel gazing and windmill tilting at issues that only the affluent have the luxury of intellectualizing about in an above-it-all kind of way--because MOST people are too busy raising their families and trying to make ends meet to play these political connect-the-dots games. They want to be met where they are NOW and lifted up, they don't want clouds and cotton candy visions of a future they may never see. Sometimes Democrats, for all their alleged compassion and caring about people, are terrible about picturing themselves in someone else's shoes. It's all about I want, I want, I want, gimme, gimme, gimme. We need to SEE other people better than that.
Thanks for all your efforts here, Jerid, and best wishes for your success in the future.
Small world...
Submitted by tjqhzonff on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 10:59pm.
I'm going through the nursing home hair pulling for my dad at the moment. A real PITA. I think its about the best reason I've come across for a national health care system. And yeah, I really want to have my future grandchildren be able to ask me "Say Gramps, what was a Republican?".
Anyway, Good Luck to Jerid. Although I do have to say that I've found the "gainfully employed" schtick to be rather overrated.
Good luck and welcome
Submitted by Jill on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 7:54am.
Jerid, you know I know how intense blogging and maybe esp. politically blogging that comes from inside passion and desire to change things around you (and maybe inside you too) can be. It's gratifying in ways that are difficult to explain, esp. to people who don't blog or blog politics.
Sounds like you are making another good choice and I agree, you won't be absent even if you are not the lead blog author here.
Welcome to David and "Dr Truth" (I'm always the last to figure out who these pseudonyms are!). I think David is one of the best primary source bloggers around and is straightforward and stands firm. No doubt, BSB's personality will change yet again - I like to think, selfishly perhaps, that it will, ahem, evolve. But that's just me being me.
Jerid, thank you. And good luck.
May the force be with you
Submitted by cowalker on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 10:05am.
Until later, Jerid.
I've enjoyed your political observations and appreciated your activism. I hope you can hang on to your idealism and determination to make a difference as you move into a new phase of your life.
One thing to be said for your plan (besides the obvious point that you need to pay for food and shelter) is that you will gain a lot of insight into others from the experience.
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job."
Doug Adams
Catch ya later
Submitted by Eric Vessels on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 10:32am.
Good luck man. It's been real. You took this site to places it wouldn't have been able to go without you. NH Project was so much fun to watch. I know you'll be a kick ass lawyer, if your blogging is any indication. I know decisions like these are tough and fully understand. I'm glad you are doing what you need to do.
All the best, EV
Good luck
Submitted by Muffet on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 10:42am.
to you, Jerid. It's a new world you are entering, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Being a full time law employee may limit your time, but it won't limit your heart. In fact, it will expand your heart, for you will see the majesty of the law at work, in the lives of real people, who need it. Thanks for everything you have given us. We'll keep on keepin' on.
you know
Submitted by saggitarius on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 11:28am.
that I do not approve of this message, I feel I've made my "you can't really leave" aim's very clear to this point
Thanks and all the best wishes for your future endeavors
Submitted by ohio_observer on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 12:45pm.
Jerid, I am going to miss you. I hope you are able to get involved in future once again.
jobs are cool, I guess
Submitted by Mark C. Gaffney on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 1:01pm.
Jerid-- As you know, I was blown away when I first ran into you at that ODP Chair race forum in 2005. I didn't have any idea you were involved in Democratic politics. Not much later, I became convinced that you were one of the best-informed and wisest voices on Ohio politics. I remain convinced of that, and I'm proud to have known you for so long. Here's to opening your own practice so you can say whatever you want!
It won't be the same without you.
Submitted by bonobo on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 1:34pm.
You've done a great job, best of everything to you.
For the fish
Submitted by MarkJablonski on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 2:05pm.
Jerid,
Hate to see you go, but am glad you're gainfully employed. I'd give you more of a heartfelt farewell, except that I'm sure to run into you at school come August.
Peace be with you.
Jerid, you quitting wanker....
Submitted by modernesquire on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 9:06pm.
I can't believe it. I've been posting here since 2006, been through two admins now, and officially the longest front pager here. What the hell? Russell blogs here until he leaves for Cordray. Jerid blogs here until he gets a summer job with prospects for permanent employment. And yet here I am . . . left behind again!
What the bloody hell does it take for me to get out of here? I haven't gotten so much as a bloody unpaid internship offer from my work here. Did the ODP or any of the big blogs offer me so much as a snack pack for my plan to cover the Puerto Rico primary? Noooo...
Sure, I've never put my sad mug on the site every time my candidate lost. Maybe it's cause I'm not a pretty boy or speak with a sophisticated British accent, but I've been kissing Democratic ass for two years and not so much of flipping Christmas card from Chris Redfern.
So, Jerid, you magnificant bastard, go! Just Go! Go ahead and just cut and run.... Flap your wings like so many others have and fly away to greener pastures and let us stand in awe at the magnificant grace as you soar away from us. No, don't look back, like Lot and his wife, flee here like the Sodom and Gomorrah this site is. We are not worthy of your charming vistage anymore, and will carry on with the memory of better times before you realized that there's no career in filtering this cite from Hickmania and comment spam on porn, cheap viagra, and easy credit you censoring bastard.
All joking aside, good luck, Jerid. Thanks for all the fun. I'll miss you here. I bet you'll be surprised how many hours are in a day when you aren't blogging. :)
Best of luck...
Submitted by djcalev on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 10:02pm.
to you Jerid, and thanks for doing great work with BSB. -Dave
A Hard Thing to Leave
Submitted by Ohio2nd on Thu, 04/24/2008 - 7:06am.
Best of luck, Jerid. I know that this is a hard thing to walk away from. ESPECIALLY painful must be not being able to blog about this thrilling and edifying primary.
It's been fun watching you step into the founders shoes. It will be even more fun seeing what you do from here.
Chris
GOOD LUCK! - O Say Can You See!
Submitted by Schmennis on Thu, 04/24/2008 - 10:41am.
You are welcome for all the fish and good luck with all your future "Double back-flips, through a hoop, while whistling the Star Spangled Banner"
......ALL THE BEST!
Good Luck
Submitted by Randy on Thu, 04/24/2008 - 2:24pm.
(Sent via email earlier, now posted for all to see)
Jerid,
I've viewed your blog a few times over the past few years, but
yesterday David told me he was moving in, so I came to visit your blog
again and read your exit biography.
It struck me that, even though I'm one of those conservative
sometimes-Republicans one of your commenters (Susan) despies, you & I
aren't that much different. In college I received federal aid to pay
my way. I think both of us would agree that there is a need to help
people who need it and I don't think either of us would want to help a
free-loader. We just may vary in the definitions.
I wanted to wish you a lot of luck in your coming ventures.
jerid, you rock
Submitted by bryan on Thu, 04/24/2008 - 6:35pm.
jerid -- thanks for being a strong, consistent voice for democrats in ye olde blogosphere. you built bsb into the must-read it has become for lowly politicos of all stripes.
if you'll pardon my soapbox for a moment...
i truly hope dems across ohio realize the vital role you and so many other bloggers have played in getting us where we are today. your willingness to build people up, hold people accountable, and give them another chance should always be welcomed by our state and local parties, as well as our electeds. in the end, we will all be judged -- i'd prefer the limelight from my fellow dems than a rapacious gop in campaign mode.
thanks again for your hard work, dedication, and friendship. you have a lot of folks who are waiting to see what you do next -- and will gladly support you when you make your move.
Good luck, Jerid
Submitted by BuckeyeNation on Thu, 04/24/2008 - 6:49pm.
I echo the sentiments expressed by others here.
Maybe it won't be too long where you get a law job where this type of blogging will be encouraged.
good luck
Submitted by zygela on Thu, 04/24/2008 - 10:16pm.
Very well-written good-bye, save for the Dann criticism (some of his hires are obviously suspect, but "betraying principles for himself" is a bit of a reach). Anyway, good luck.
Jerid
And secondly, as a Douglas Adams fan, that's the greatest parting line,
ever.