It seems a bit counterintuitive, but I think the development of things like non-lethal weapons - area denial devices, sandbag projectiles, etc - is seriously dangerous to active participation in a democracy. These weapons give the bureaucrats and aparatchiks in government the illusion that they can 'control' people; claiming the humanitarian high ground, without using deadly force. Suddenly, they're several steps closer to being able to do whatever they please "in the name of the king and for the good of the state".
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Monday, October 05, 2009
Moyers and The Wire
Bill Moyers' Journal has a very interesting interview with the creator of HBO's The Wire.
(Be sure to look for the full version - in 2 parts)
The guy has a lot to say about telling a story that journalists should be telling us and aren't - we're only getting some of these stories thru "reality-based fiction". That's a pretty weird concept. I should prob'ly think on that one for a while.
(Be sure to look for the full version - in 2 parts)
The guy has a lot to say about telling a story that journalists should be telling us and aren't - we're only getting some of these stories thru "reality-based fiction". That's a pretty weird concept. I should prob'ly think on that one for a while.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Obama "Loses" Olympics
Obama's trip to Denmark was about something, but it wasn't about making a pitch for a Chicago Olympics. I think he agreed to take a shot at it since he was there anyway, and the IOC meeting provided cover for something else.
Of course, the righty-wingers are trying to make it out to be something like: 'Obama fails in Copenhagen, and that means the IOC will soon have nuclear weapons.'
A couple of things come to mind.
First, he may or may not be going to the Climate Change conference in December. If he's thinking he won't, then now's a good time to touch some bases and make his points face-to-face with people who will be there.
But second, the quickie with Stan McChrystal was prob'ly a lot more than it seemed. I think it was a Come-To-Jesus meeting. I think the general was told straight out that he can shut up and do his job as the president sees fit, or he can resign his commission and run for the office himself.
Of course, the righty-wingers are trying to make it out to be something like: 'Obama fails in Copenhagen, and that means the IOC will soon have nuclear weapons.'
A couple of things come to mind.
First, he may or may not be going to the Climate Change conference in December. If he's thinking he won't, then now's a good time to touch some bases and make his points face-to-face with people who will be there.
But second, the quickie with Stan McChrystal was prob'ly a lot more than it seemed. I think it was a Come-To-Jesus meeting. I think the general was told straight out that he can shut up and do his job as the president sees fit, or he can resign his commission and run for the office himself.
The Power Elite
Try not to get mad enough to start throwing rocks thru their office windows.
Crooks and Liars
"Indeed, lawmakers receive top-notch, wait-free care, and money is largely no object. Members pay a flat annual fee of $503, and it covers all expenses -- without submitting claim forms to their insurer. Despite soaring costs throughout the health care system, prices have been largely stagnant in the Office of the Attending Physician for 17 years."
Crooks and Liars
"Indeed, lawmakers receive top-notch, wait-free care, and money is largely no object. Members pay a flat annual fee of $503, and it covers all expenses -- without submitting claim forms to their insurer. Despite soaring costs throughout the health care system, prices have been largely stagnant in the Office of the Attending Physician for 17 years."
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