We suffer from chronic 9/11itis.
Nov 12, 2008 Politics, Society
Shortly after 9/11, many of my friends developed what I called acute 9/11itis. People that were once rational, thoughtful individuals were transformed overnight into raving hawks, hellbent on blowing something… ANYTHING, up!
For most people, the crippling effects wore off quickly. Rationality set in and people realized that running off like Rambo without a jock strap might not be the best way to respond. Now, I won’t suggest that the US should not go after enemies that are committing crimes against it. I am merely suggesting that there are many ways to win the “war on terror”.
But some people never recovered, and their acute case became chronic. Symptoms seem to include wild swings toward the political right, a sudden need to join the NRA, a blinding support for any military action proposed by President Bush, and a sudden urge to be born again.
But the most unsettling symptom seems to be a deep seated fear. A fear that cripples their rationality, and fills them with righteous anger. This fear is a lever that seems to enable the US leadership to limit our civil rights, wiretap our phone calls, and set up offshore detention centers.
I know there are books full of psychological diseases. Is there an official name for this one?
Three great ecards you can send your friends now that Obama has won
Nov 11, 2008 Politics, Society
All from http://someecards.com/
Who Did You Think You Were Voting For?
Nov 10, 2008 Politics
George W Bush can now officially be called the “Best Worst President Ever” has broken the US Presidential approval rating record for the the lowest approval rating ever. 19%! (He also holds the highest disapproval rating) The amazing thing is that he even beat out Richard Nixon after he was shown to be a criminal.
In the case of Nixon, I can image that the Republican party felt betrayed and let down. Their commander in chief revealed as a petty criminal. I can see why his approval rating fell to 24%.
But who exactly did the people who voted for Bush think they were voting for? What did he do that was unexpected? As far as I can see, he did exactly what he has been doing since he was elected.
Perplexed.
Obama’s Black?
Nov 8, 2008 Politics
Obama will become our 44th President. He was elected, I believe, because the Republicans have made an utter disaster of our country, and because we need someone who can correct the past eight years of damage inflicted by the neo-cons. I threw my vote for Obama because he is progressive, young, hopeful, optimistic, and patriotic.
So it’s odd to me that so much of the news of the past week has centered around the fact that he is black. I mean no offense, but I didn’t vote for a black man. I voted for the best candidate for our country. And while I understand that it was a historic election, I’d rather hear more news about his developing policies and how is going to govern.
To reduce this win to the headline that reads “first black man voted into office” is to undermine Obama’s platform and to dismiss the fact that he is brilliant, charismatic, and thoughtful – a much needed change from the nasty fear mongers that we have in office today.
Lefties need guns
Ya know, the right wing nut jobs are the people with all the guns, and the left wingers have none. I’m not talking about shotguns and handguns. I’m talking about assault weapons.
This seems dangerous. Maybe the left needs to arm itself*. I know, I know, we are a terribly belligerent and fearful nation addicted to violence. I know, I know, gun death in our country is many times higher than all the other nations of the earth. But the left needs to defend itself!
* flagrant satire