You're right, Ben Franklin and many other of our founding fathers would be rolling over in their grave. I have an ancestor who signed the Declaration of Independence, and I'm sure he would be. Your last two blogs have been so fantastic

They'd be rolling over at many other aspects of the way things are done now, as well. Direct taxation, for one.
Want to cut the power of government? Cut its funds. But you have to accept an end to redistribution.

I think it would be a good trade.

Thanks for the birthday wishes. I'm shit at journals these days (I didn't read this one) but I'm back on the Groups/Boards wagon as of late.

Fear sells, unfortunately. Scare the hell out of 'em, then tell 'em you're the guy who can make 'em feel safe. That's how you win elections...

So do I. Fear does have a great track record, tho...

What does your Sunday hold for you today?

it's not really freedom per say. Margret Atwood said "we have freedom from, not freedom to". and i strongly believe that.

they are very comfy. I got them at the REI sale going on this weekend.


seems like today is going to be a very nice day.

Get outside!! hopefully I will and get some house projects done.

Unfortunately, this country is rife with apathy and abdication! The majority of people just won't go out of their way or even pick up a pen, to try to make a difference. I thought for sure, that the children of the 60s would rise up once again and be heard. Well . . . it seems they've sold out . . become complacent . . just don't give a shit. It really pisses me off!

People feel helpless . . . and they're not all wrong. Our political system no longer works the way it was intended. Two groups of wealthy and powerful people, control the political parties, and therefore the number of potential candidates that you'll be allowed to vote amoungst. Government by, for, and of the people? Not lately!

thanks!!

ugh. politics are stupid. i just refuse to pay attention anymore because it's so ridiculous...

You're angry. I like it.

SPOILERS! (Click to view)

But I also like cable TV and cheap gas.

Thanks for your thoughts. Dealing with things is all we can do, right?

I hope you know I was just kidding re Northfield. A fine place. I thought about going to school at one or the other. Got in to both. Olaf was even gonna give me a bunch of cash to come. In hindsight, it might have been a good place for me at that time. I didn't exactly take my UW undergraduate career very seriously, and I regret that. Olaf might have had fewer distractions. Maybe?

I know this family in Milwaukee; four kids and they all went to Olaf. I find that a bit nutty but I love 'em all to pieces.

How bout I fly out, bring cheesecake and take you to a movie? hehe

I care, but it doesn't seem like there are a lot of other people who do sometimes.

Bravo to this entry! I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of the state of America and our government. It makes me sad to see that this country has lost the passion that made it great. It just sucks how much you can never underestimate the power of propagating fear in the masses