I watched the debate, thought McCain looked a little better, etc., but was struck forcefully and repeatedly (though not in the groin or kidneys) by the thought that none of this provided any new information or changed my understanding of the candidates in any meaningful way. It was just talking points with some soap-style drama. Maybe I’ll stop watching those things.
Anyway, here’s some Stuff I’ve found interesting recently (besides this fun animated gif, obviously):
- This interesting discussion of why “energy independence” is not necessarily a good thing for the U.S. (and we all know it may not be feasible, anyway)
- Historically, Republicans seem to be pretty bad for U.S. investors (unless you’re a massive corporation), and Democratic administrations are much better for the market. And the economy overall. Or, as Slate.com puts it in reviewing similar research, “Democrats are better at virtually every economic task that is important to Republicans.” (note: I had a link to a scholarly study by a team of economists with roughly the same conclusion, but I can’t find it). This kind of thing is still surprising to me, because I grew up hearing how economically foolish Democrats were. I guess it’s likely that Dems spend more on non-military items when in power, but I have yet to see any numbers suggesting the GOP is actually better for the economic health of the country as a whole.
- More evidence that politics (and the press) for most people in this country are governed by a pack mentality over any other consideration. First, William F. Buckley’s son is leaving the National Review after endorsing Obama. The NR is hardcore conservative, and that’s much more important than keeping a talented journalist onboard. Oh yeah, and then there’s that thing about Kathleen Parker receiving 12,000 emails (some of them death threats) after she suggested Sarah Palin wasn’t “ready” to be the VP nominee. How dare she suggest anything that questions the party line. Crazy lady.
- Some liberal friends of mine seem flabbergasted that anyone can seriously side with conservative issues. I’m interested in showing some of the thoughts of the people on the other side of the aisle. Now that the GOP may have convinced the Secret Service to prevent journalists from talking to people at Palin events), take a look at a short Al Jazeera piece on a Palin rally. Kinda freaky.
So… Hell. Handbasket. I could go on and on about the quasi-fascist crap that’s been pulled in this election and steadfastly ignored by the mainstream media. Freaking scary.
But in other news, how many of these avant-garde sci-fi movies have you seen? Me: 4