I'm a newcomer here, and enjoy the atmosphere: liberal and humanistic viewpoints well expressed, entertaining displays of wit and intellect, insights into the latest happenings. It's fun. But don't get a big head about it or anything...
Anyway. Like most of you, I fear this country is going to hell and I have a pretty good idea who is carrying the handbasket. The lies and inanities and idiocies mount, with no end in sight. Why can't Americans see what is being done to them?
Well, I think I figured out at least part of the answer. I don't watch much television myself, but for reasons too long and boring to relate I was stuck in front of a TV for several hours last night and saw this show called Extreme Make-Over.
The liberal blogtistas here are arguing over the intricacies of foreign and domestic policies, while untold Americans are watching, and I presume being entertained by, the most execrable crap imaginable. I mean, how do you explain, say, the nefariousness of Wolfowitz and Feith to people who are all wrapped up in watching Plain Jane be transformed as if by magic into Still Plain Jane But With More Eye Makeup? Why should these viewers even care about Rumsfeld and Cheney?
The American attention span is so limited that we are down to guys with simple, one syllable names: Bush, Dean, Clark. The voters can't deal with anything more complicated.
I struggle to be optimistic, but gosh, it's hard.