Kicking the Proverbial Can Down the Road

Of all the metaphors that made their way around the media during the debt ceiling debate, the one that seems to have scored the most airplay was a reference ad nauseam to kicking the can down the road. If the recent precipitous drop in the stock market is any indication of Washington’s ability to put off having to deal with the toxic economic brew that is filling the cups of so many Americans,  we have finally reached that point in our nation’s history when our politicians, to use another tired worn-out metaphor, are no longer capable of even  passing the buck.

In response to my own  debt ceiling debacle and employment crisis, I, like the Federal Government, am considering painful cutbacks to certain key programs. My “Drink Only imports and Microbrew Program” will probably have to be downsized by the implementation of a less costly domestic policy. Thankfully, Becker’s Corner in Quakertown, PA features “Turn Back Tuesdays,” a very affordable celebration of those classic American brands that satisfied the palates of past generations.

Quite frankly, there is something rather heartening and reassuring about drinking those beers that saw my father and uncles through the hardships of their times. So while our elected representatives are pondering what to do next about our ailing economy during their summer recess in places like Palm Springs and Martha’s Vineyard, I will be popping open several PBRs–knowing full well that all we really need to get this party going again is a can of creativity, a six-pack of hope, a case of good leadership and a keg full of caring!

Posted by: Chris Poh

Raising the Bar Instead of the Ceiling

With any luck, by the time this piece is published the political posturing will subside, and the wiser minds in the debt ceiling debate will prevail. The truth be told, this grand experiment in democratic rule was founded on a mix dedication and debt. By 1791, the country owed in excess of 75 million dollars to those creditors who bankrolled her revolution. And with the exception of a two-year period beginning in 1835, the United States has had unsettled obligations ever since Ben and the boys emerged from the Pennsylvania State House to make public their intent to break ties with King George the Third.

While it has always been a popular notion that it is the misdeeds and inefficiencies of government that are the root cause of our unbalanced books, it is in fact, those less than admirable traits in humankind that have left the public holding a rather large unpaid tab. Historically, most of Washington’s deficit spending has been the consequence of military conflict, or the missteps and misappropriations in the marketplace. Perhaps if those at the helm of our economic institutions were a bit less greedy, or if we had a healthcare system that was fair and affordable, or if we could just find a more peaceful way to settle our differences—we might just be able to get our financial house in order.

But as I raise a glass of whiskey at the saloon of the Gold Hill Hotel, which sits atop those spent silver veins of the Comstock Lode that helped to finance many bloody Northern campaigns during America’s Civil War, I realize that we are still a ways off from raising the bar on human behavior. So for the foreseeable future, we will remain dependent upon a Congress that raises the ceiling on public debt.

Posted by: Chris Poh

“Welcome Home,” Mr. President

 

With the simple front-page headline “Welcome Home,” The Evening Herald, a leading Irish newspaper, put to rest any further questions about Barack Obama’s true pedigree. An endorsement from the land of long pours and long stories trumps the long form birth certificate every time. So Mr. Obama now becomes the 29th of the 44 US presidents to trace his roots to the old sod of Erin.

In a scene reminiscent with  Sean Thornton, played by John Wayne in The Quiet Man, in which the celebrated Yank returns to Ireland to lay claim to the ancestral cottage in which he was born–the President arrived in Moneygall and was escorted by Henry Healy, his long-lost eighth cousin on his mother’s side, to the humble abode from where Falmouth Kearney. his great-great-great grandfather, had emigrated to America in the 1850s.  

And like all great tales involving the Irish, there was of course the obligatory public house scene. At day’s end the President and his entourage adjourned to Ollie Hayes’ Pub to hoist a few pints.

As I watched the coverage of  this  event unfold, I came to the realization that in the grand scheme of the universe the  odds of  being raised up in the Rapture in America during this past Saturday were probably about the same as the odds of  pints of Guinness being raised up by a black  US president in Ireland on any given day of the week. 

S0 here’s to raising up a good pint, a good man–and to beating the odds every once in a while!

Click here  to experience how the good people of Moneygall and the Corrigan Bothers  marked this extraordinary occasion.

Posted bt: Chris Poh

  

 

 

 

       

Sometimes, the Bums Just Need to be Thrown out of the Bar!

I was on my way home after a long day on the working side of the bar at the Indian Rock Inn when I got the news by way of  BBC radio that bin Laden had been apparently killed by U.S. forces. My initial reaction was one of  relief and perhaps a bit of smug gratuitous joy, but then the usual circumspect analytical side of my personality began to take hold. I knew that the man who had just got done proving the legitimacy of his birth would soon have to prove the legitimacy of another man’s death. And by early morning the crazies would already be spouting  their far-flung conspiratorial theories on both the airwaves and the web.

I have come to the conclusion that their resides within the human brain a place that allows small children to believe in the Easter Bunny and adults to believe in God–a wonderful place that operates on simple faith, and is more often than not a source of peace and comfort. But unfortunately, that same group of neurons and neural pathways that can foster strong beliefs, without the benefit of any tangible evidence, can also give rise to dangerous distortions of the facts when driven solely by fear.

My own brand of logic causes me to question just how much we actually gain by the killing of one man. And while I fully support the notion of cutting off the head of the snake, I know that another serpent will soon emerge from the viper’s den. And all too often that snake tends to display even more loathsome reptilian-like behavior. But for the sake and safety of those decent well-behaved patrons that are presently sitting in the saloon, sometimes the bums just need to be thrown out of the bar. And even though there is probably a more nefarious scoundrel lurking in the shadows–we can thank God and the Easter Bunny for good bouncers and great Navy Seals!

Posted by: Chris Poh

Should We be Drinking from the Enemy’s Well?

I remember being chided by some fellow bar patrons for having a misplaced sense of patriotism after ordering a screwdriver made with Russian vodka. This particular political skirmish occurred in September of 1983, a few days after Korean Airlines Flight 007 was shot down by a Soviet SU-15 Flagon Interceptor. My response to the reproach was the rather flip remark of a much younger man, “Gentlemen if I were to give up drinking the alcoholic beverage of every country that I had a beef with, I’d soon have to give up drinking altogether.”

Looking back, I question my earlier wisdom and wonder now if we should be providing aid and economic support to those whose values and behaviors are in conflict with ours. Beyond the moral implications, there is the pragmatic aspect of drinking from the enemy’s well. When the relationship eventually sours either access to the well is denied, or the owner poisons the waters. As the price for a gallon of gas has yet again broken the three dollar mark because of this current round of unrest in the Middle East, Americans once more must question an energy policy that is dependent upon the reasonable conduct of despots, tyrants and thugs.

The seeds of our own revolution were planted in part when Great Britain implemented The Sugar Act of 1769. This burdensome tax on molasses imported from the West Indies led to the ruin of the once thriving rum industry in colonial New England. In response the colonists utilized native crops in order to continue the production of quality spirits. Today that same Yankee ingenuity carries on in the fast-growing field of micro-distillation. Companies like Philadelphia Distilling and Finger Lakes Distilling are among the over two hundred smaller suppliers that are providing their American clientele with premium potables without the words “Imported from…” being on the label.

Perhaps it is time that those in charge of crafting our nation’s energy policy adopt a similar homegrown approach to the problem. I just hope that we don’t ever get into a squabble with Scotland—because I still haven’t found a domestic distiller that can duplicate the distinct finish and flavor of the Balvenie Double Wood.

Posted by: Chris Poh

And the Lion Shall Sit Down with the Lamb

 

 

 

Whether or not we can achieve the long-term civility and cooperation envisioned by President Obama in his State of the Union address remains to be seen. But at least for one night during this long cold winter, there appeared to be a bit of genuine warmth emanating from  the House chamber. The simple gesture of having the members of both parties sitting next to each other might actually begin to change the tone in Washington. (If nothing else, the tone of Speaker John Boehner’s tan finally seemed balanced.)

On this particular night the United States Congress  appeared to be the government  of all the people, instead of the usual partisan fans of two opposing teams in their assigned bleachers at a high school football game.

Since the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords there has been much talk about the need to change the tone of our political dialogue. While I will not speculate as to what degree the events in Tucson were influenced by the current level of acrimony between Democrats and Republicans, my years of experience in the tavern business have taught me that our discourse and tone certainly do matter. 

I have been witness to too many instances where a highly charged atmosphere combined with some  ill-chosen words  provided the license and excuse for the less rational patrons to display their violent tendencies. 

On the other hand though, I have experienced many more occasions where a kind word, a calming hand on the shoulder, or just the invite to sit down next to someone else diffused a potentially dangerous situation. So let us not discount the power of what we say or where we sit.

So in the spirit of proper tavern etiquette,  I would ask our politicians  to please remember the following points:

• There is a place for everyone at the bar.
• On St. Patrick’s Day everyone is Irish.
• The rest of the year we are all Americans.

Posted by: Chris Poh

Setting the Stage for a Damn Good Brawl

Robot Painting by Eric Joyner

Even before the 111th Congress was done packing their valises and war chests to head home for the Christmas break, the pundits and pols were already checking their fight cards and placing their wagers on the next match between the red and the blue. Like most Americans I’m tired of the incessant political donnybrooks at our expense; but still there is a certain measure of gratuitous satisfaction one gets from watching a good scuffle now and then.

It isn’t so much the landed blows that I take pleasure in, as it is the strategy and fancy footwork beforehand. A well staged brawl can truly be considered an impressive bit of handiwork. And before returning to Washington, both Democrats and Republicans might want to take a few cues from the masters of this art form.  

During a recent journey along the Maine Coast, American Public House Review staff editor David McBride visited Bull Feeney’s in Portland, Maine. This fine Irish Pub is named in honor of John Martin Feeney, the son of John Augustine Feeney,  a well-respected saloonkeeper that established several taverns throughout the city during the late 1800s. His son was nicknamed “Bull” because of his aggressive headfirst charges into the opposing line while playing fullback at Portland High School. This spirited rugged  nature would serve him well in later years while working on location in the harsh terrain of Utah’s Monument Valley.

In July of  1914, John Martin Feeney headed west to California to follow in the footsteps of his older brother Francis, who had established himself as both an actor and director in the early years of  Hollywood. And like his elder brother, John would change his last name from Feeney to Ford.

 This future iconic American director would eventually go on to redefine the craft of film making and cinematography. Few in the industry could match his skill for storytelling, or for being able to stage a good fight. Since Ford had a habit of socializing and professionally collaborating with the rough and tumble types, those classic onscreen contests to determine who was the better man came easy. Amongst the combatants was the pugnacious Victor McLaglen, who actually  at one time went six rounds against then  Heavyweight Champion of the World Jack Johnson.

So before we convene the next Congress, I suggest that all members of the House, Senate and  Executive Branch make a careful study of the bravado, bluster and style of  Top Sgt. Quincannon in She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, and that of one Squire ‘Red Will” Danaher in The Quiet Man.

So let’s shake hands and come out fighting. And remember gentlemen, The Marquess of Queensberry rules will be observed on all occasions.  

Posted by: Chris Poh

A Good START for the New Year

 

Myself and our associate editor, Dave McBride took a very long walk through the well chilled blustery streets of Boston the other night. Our mission was clear, our cause was common–find the perfect tavern that would provide us warmth, comfort and an atmosphere that might revive our somewhat dampened holiday spirits. The results of that December campaign will be featured in a couple of upcoming articles in American Public House Review.

As we navigated the old brick alleyways around Quincey Market we spoke of history, politics and Christmas. With the flurry of  political achievements coming out of Washington during the last few days, among them the new START treaty, perhaps there is still reason to believe in the hope for mankind espoused by those young  rebels from Bethlehem to Boston.

The following piece was originally published in December of 2007.

I still retain many fond memories from a childhood that was somewhat tainted by the cold war. That robust competition for world domination between communist and capitalist could unsettle even the most secure suburban upbringing.

In my version of “Leave it to Beaver Land”, better known as Teaneck, New Jersey there were only two reasons for seeking shelter below the first floor: the fear of nuclear winter, or the fear of not keeping up with those that had achieved a subterranean paradise replete with paneling, ping-pong and a mini-pub. Trusting that John Kennedy would always best his Soviet nemesis, Nikita Khrushchev, my parents decided to forego stocking up on a six month supply of Campbell’s Tomato Soup, and chose instead to dedicate the basement to recreational use.

My father was a trained artist as well as a self-taught musician and craftsman. He brought all of those talents to bear on the construction of the altar that would become our home bar. It became a place of warm gatherings, merriment and song.

As a child, I remember the excitement of waiting for my dad to flip the switch that would illuminate his handiwork. Light danced on multi-colored inlaid metal tiles that adorned the top of the bar. The scene had all the drama of those Christmas Eves long past, when my assigned yearly quest to locate that elusive brown extension cord, that would bring power from wall to tree, yielded success.

This publican owes much to Raymond J. Poh. The culmination of his craft instilled in me my great love of the tavern. Every time I answer the call of one of those splendidly lit confines there is a sense of Christmas. Perhaps the mix of neon, candles and designer incandescent bring on those feelings; but more likely the potential for fellowship, kindness and generosity that one finds in such places renews my hope for peace on earth and goodwill toward men.

All of us at American Public House Review wish you and yours a joyous and blessed  season of light!

Posted by: Chris Poh

Politics as Usual at the Mecklenburg Inn

After every election, no matter what the outcome, I have always held out the hope that those who come to power will quickly cast aside their  political and ideological differences in favor of crafting policy that works for the common good of the American people. There was a time when no matter how visceral or vitriolic  the campaign that leaders afterwards would turn their pitchforks into plough shares–and  put the needs of the country over the needs of the party. 

This notion, however naive considering the present tone in Washington, comes from those  memories of true statesmen like Ronald Reagan and Thomas “Tip” O’Neill extending a warm and genuine hand across the aisle or across the room. 

While I am tempted to engage in the usual postmortem after last week’s midterms, I will refrain from what is usually a fruitless and feckless exercise in trying to gage the will and mood of the American public. I remember those educated pundits of just two years ago that had declared that the Republican party was just a breath away from extinction. After elections of such historic proportions, there will always be those grand declarations about mandates and change; but seldom do those pronouncements correctly reflect the political reality.

There are those voices that claim that this election was about killing healthcare, rolling back economic reform, and bringing about a less intrusive government.  But the real numbers paint a very different picture. Americans are nearly evenly split on all these issues–so there in no clear mandate for either party. But what has been expressed by the majority of the  American people time and time again is the need to end the cancerous partisanship that is threatening the health of this nation. So while many politicians will make the case about some “greater national will of the people,” most politics remains local–and Americans will continue to reward those that serve the needs of their constituents with re-election.

One such honorable public servant is John Doyle of the West Virginia House of Delegates. We caught up with him at the Mecklenburg Inn a few months back. This venerable institution in Shepherdstown provides the perfect setting for mister Doyle to do what he does best–listening to the people, and when the spirit moves him–belting out a few Irish ballads.

What a better country this would be if more of our representatives  would raise their voice in sweet refrain instead of soured rancor.

 

 

Posted by: Chris Poh

The Road Less Traveled

“As a nation we always have the choice to travel to the right or to the left. But the true path to our collective wellbeing is probably somewhere in the middle–especially if there is a good tavern at the fork in the road”

The midterm election of 1962 was supposed to be a good year for Republicans, but then that pesky communist from Kalinovka, Nikita Khrushchev, decided to plant nuclear missiles in Fidel Castro’s patch of the Caribbean. And the toughness and leadership skills shown by John Fitzgerald Kennedy skyrocketed his job approval, and saved the political careers of many vulnerable Democrats that rode back into office on the coattails of their Commander-in-Chief.

Even as a young boy of seven, I can remember those ominous warnings issued by the President, Walter Cronkite and whatever nun I had in second grade, as they stood in front of maps that showed just how short the route from America to Armageddon really was. In spite of the fear, paranoia, distrust and time spent under my desk in preparation for the nuclear winter—I really grew to like looking at maps. Today I still prefer my Rand McNally Atlas over the latest GPS technology. I like the overview of the journey, the chance to consider where I’ve been and where I hope to go. I also like being able to carefully consider all the possibilities before choosing which road to take—as opposed to being told which way to go by some voice coming out of an electronic box. When it comes to making political decisions I chart a similar course of action.

Unfortunately, most voting Americans use a form of GPS when deciding who will be worthy of holding elected office. The angry and the anxious, with little thought of what lies ahead, mindlessly listen to voices coming out of a box that tell them to turn right or left in order to reach their destination—and then wonder why they always wind up back at the same place from which they started. Regrettably, those lacking the benefit of a good map and a functioning compass are again about to determine the direction of the country. And this is simply because not enough of our citizens show up to vote.

If our politicians were assured that most Americans would come to the polls, they would be more prone to compromise and craft policies that would better serve the majority. But as long as our elected officials in Washington are facing the possibility of being unelected by a minority of angry extremists on either side of the political divide, they will continue to pander to their base, and to only serve the needs of those contributing special interests.

While the entire staff at American Public House Review is unanimously opposed to reinstating the closure of taverns on Election Day, we want to remind our readers to exercise their civic responsibility. Before you beat a path to your favorite bar spend some time on the road less traveled—find your way to the voting booth.

Posted by: Chris Poh