A very compelling piece, and your most important point is this one: "How does destroying government institutions, universities, science, the development of alternative energy sources, strategic alliances, international agreements, due process, domestic legal protections, our reputation for freedom, openness, and fair play etc. make sense?" The answer is obvious: It doesn't make sense. It's an agenda driven by revenge, by self-aggrandizement, by the pursuit of wealth, and by a need to be at the center of attention in all things. What is the Administration's plan to meet the moment, to reduce the cost of health care and education, train American kids for the jobs of the future, build up our infrastructure?
Christ Alec, sounds like our ride to Hell in a handbasket is accelerating.
My response is a dismal combination of the Ostrich, and pass the buck. That is, I spend much of my time deep in the mountains (real ones, not internet peaks), and then I'll pass on a few bucks to various groups and people who I know are doing good work. "Re-elect Jon Ossoff", etc.
"Complacency kills", right? Well we all are born with a death sentence, and that includes planet Earth and the Sun. Taking the long view out into space is, I think, cathartic for me, Alexis, but that is one of those questionable points, and you make me wonder if I may be wrong.
Our Aussie friend Shaun, who is a political animal like you, told me once that "Everything is political... buying your pants is political..." He's right isn't he? And my cherished National Parks and Forests exist due to political acts. It is a lot easier to be less engaged when the ship of state is sailing along more smoothly.
Anyhow, I am rambling Alec. I appreciate the thread that runs through your latest fine essay-- that we need to question our thoughts and actions. I also really admire your willingness to continue your deep engagement in political diplomacy at this new, and more personal level.
This is another thought-provoking read Alec, but I think you could have omitted your final query as to the possible value of the current leadership. They are just a pack of F$@(&%$ Venal $@%^$#&S
At this point I’m just throwing spaghetti at the wall. Magical realism or reality TV criticism is the only way to make sense of this situation. My faculties fall short. Maybe a latter day Fellini would have a better shot. I think long hikes in the mountains are the perfect response. If I knew I would be able to handle a tropical island, I would try my hand at that.
As for the final comment, I think of the etymology of the word irony. That was what I was going for; the problem with our representatives is that they represent those who pay in a pay to play system. Middle finger to the rest of us. Like you, I’m getting cynical.
Indeed, and since "irony" is derived first from my forebears the Greeks, I must've picked up on your use of it. Being only half-Greek, I only half got it, and thus stupidly wondered if you were being half-serious. Here's that etymology:
Irony
"originates from the Greek word "eirōneia," meaning 'feigned ignorance' or 'dissembling'..."
Anyhow, now we are in complete and clear agreement-- we are screwed!"
I am only reading this now - I have really really poor web access at the moment. I am actually parked in front of the bank to use their free WiFi. Which also means that I am limited in what kind of response I can write.
I shall think about it some more and will write a longer note in a bit, when I’ve got web access with my laptop.
A very compelling piece, and your most important point is this one: "How does destroying government institutions, universities, science, the development of alternative energy sources, strategic alliances, international agreements, due process, domestic legal protections, our reputation for freedom, openness, and fair play etc. make sense?" The answer is obvious: It doesn't make sense. It's an agenda driven by revenge, by self-aggrandizement, by the pursuit of wealth, and by a need to be at the center of attention in all things. What is the Administration's plan to meet the moment, to reduce the cost of health care and education, train American kids for the jobs of the future, build up our infrastructure?
I don’t think the administration has any plan to meet the moment or to make America better, at least not in reality.
Christ Alec, sounds like our ride to Hell in a handbasket is accelerating.
My response is a dismal combination of the Ostrich, and pass the buck. That is, I spend much of my time deep in the mountains (real ones, not internet peaks), and then I'll pass on a few bucks to various groups and people who I know are doing good work. "Re-elect Jon Ossoff", etc.
"Complacency kills", right? Well we all are born with a death sentence, and that includes planet Earth and the Sun. Taking the long view out into space is, I think, cathartic for me, Alexis, but that is one of those questionable points, and you make me wonder if I may be wrong.
Our Aussie friend Shaun, who is a political animal like you, told me once that "Everything is political... buying your pants is political..." He's right isn't he? And my cherished National Parks and Forests exist due to political acts. It is a lot easier to be less engaged when the ship of state is sailing along more smoothly.
Anyhow, I am rambling Alec. I appreciate the thread that runs through your latest fine essay-- that we need to question our thoughts and actions. I also really admire your willingness to continue your deep engagement in political diplomacy at this new, and more personal level.
This is another thought-provoking read Alec, but I think you could have omitted your final query as to the possible value of the current leadership. They are just a pack of F$@(&%$ Venal $@%^$#&S
At this point I’m just throwing spaghetti at the wall. Magical realism or reality TV criticism is the only way to make sense of this situation. My faculties fall short. Maybe a latter day Fellini would have a better shot. I think long hikes in the mountains are the perfect response. If I knew I would be able to handle a tropical island, I would try my hand at that.
As for the final comment, I think of the etymology of the word irony. That was what I was going for; the problem with our representatives is that they represent those who pay in a pay to play system. Middle finger to the rest of us. Like you, I’m getting cynical.
Indeed, and since "irony" is derived first from my forebears the Greeks, I must've picked up on your use of it. Being only half-Greek, I only half got it, and thus stupidly wondered if you were being half-serious. Here's that etymology:
Irony
"originates from the Greek word "eirōneia," meaning 'feigned ignorance' or 'dissembling'..."
Anyhow, now we are in complete and clear agreement-- we are screwed!"
Exactly. I’m pretty good at playing dumb, which can be difficult to distinguish these days to actually being the same. Who knew?
I am only reading this now - I have really really poor web access at the moment. I am actually parked in front of the bank to use their free WiFi. Which also means that I am limited in what kind of response I can write.
I shall think about it some more and will write a longer note in a bit, when I’ve got web access with my laptop.