On August 31, 1997, Princess Diana was killed in a horrific car accident in Paris. For those of you old enough to remember, the incident collectively brought the United States to a standstill for about a week. I cried when I found out she died, even though I wasn't especially riveted by the British royal family, simply because Diana seemed like a good person who truly cared for others. She emanated warmth, kindness, and compassion. She had a prominent voice, and she used that voice to help as many people as she could and bring light to as many issues as possible.
Princess Diana was a good egg. And as much as her death affected me and billions of folks all over the world, our feelings didn't hold a candle to how Diana's death affected Great Britain and Her Royal Majesty's kingdom.
But what was truly stunning about Diana's sudden and tragic death was how the British royal family simply refused to publicly acknowledge it. In 2006, a reenactment of the entire situation was brought to the big screen with the fabulous movie The Queen.
When reflecting on the Obama administration lately, I often think, "Will someone please save these people from themselves?" Because, fucking seriously here, it would be hellishly nice if they could learn from their mistakes and stop promoting shit that doesn't work. And, quite frankly, Barack Obama might take a cue or two from Queen Elizabeth, who changed her position after it became very clear to her that she was wrong.
To wit:
Vice President Joe Biden is defending the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) controversial new pat-down technique, calling it a "necessary policy."
You've gotta be fucking kidding me. Right? RIGHT?!
Asked if anyone in the administration is against the pat-downs, the vice president said: "No. We're all in the administration saying continue to look to see what the best technology and the least intrusive that gives us the greatest security."
Oh, man. So cancer and sexual assault are now the United States' "best technology" and "least intrusive" procedures, respectively? Really? REALLY?!
And then this is just ... sad. And pathetic. And pitiful. And infuriating. And beyond words:
GOP Rep. Ted Poe (Texas) said on the House floor Tuesday that the full-body scanners violate the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
...
Huh. Something about Orwell turning over in his grave here. The Democrats are cool with 12-year-olds screaming and crying, but the Republicans are not. The pretzel logic by the Obama administration is giving me a freaking headache.
A week ago, Reuters asked
Are you less likely to fly because of stepped-up security procedures such as full-body scans and patdowns?
A whopping 96% of people said yes.
Grr! Argh!
P.S. Contact the White House and tell them it's time to stop messing around with this crap.