Are We All Frat Boys Now?

Just Asking. Because there seem to be an increasing amount of scurrilous, sarcastic, and scatological items in what passes for the news. And they are not just found in places and on sites you would expect. You know 'em. Even grand old news organizations publish  more than their share of snarky comments and opinions when putting the facts out there without the everyone-is-a-comedian comments would work better. Leave comedy to the comedians. They know what they are doing.

The Internet may be the  Great Leveler but must we all sink to the lowest level? On the Internet, so the adage goes, no one knows you are a dog. But must everyone know you are a moron?

Opinions from Readers on the Bailout

From "DAC - Montclair, NJ:


Even before Ronald Reagan, supply side economics and the "trickle down" theory of economics have proven time and time again to be disastrous for the American people, producing massive national debt, rampant corporate greed with unaccountability and massive American taxpayer bailouts.
Yet, Republicans continue to point to Democrats over and over again as providing too much government and too much regulatory oversight as the problem. It may be true that this government bailout is necessary to save the American financial from it's own manufactured demise, but responsible government leaders must HEAVILY regulate the deal. They must make sure those responsible for reckless corporate management do not profit in any way (including through previously negotiated compensation contracts) and that the American taxpayer PROFITS from any benefit. And may all Americans recognize that we are looking at the end result of what Republicans propose for private Social Security accounts - corporate greed, corruption and another massive taxpayer bailout when it comes crashing down.

Let's learn something for a change!

Palin and Pit-Bulls...and Pitfalls

First:"Is the media covering Palin fairly?"

Why wasn't this question asked about press coverage of Hillary Clinton when she was being basted in the press during the Primary? It seemed that nothing was off limits then.
Palin is running to be Vice-President. Questions need to be asked. What’s going on privately within her family—her children—is not really our business and shouldn’t be our focus. But, if her opinions and her beliefs could affect how she might govern and represent this country, then we had better know where she stands.

Second:

Palin's "Pit Bull with Lipstick" quote? Either she isn't familiar with the American Staffordshire Terrier breed or she plans on doing whatever she's told to do. ASTs are known for being faithful to their owners and obeying them. (That's why the press’s coverage of "pit-bulls" is off-base. Attention should really be focused on the dogs’ owners. It is the people who relentlessly make the dogs mean.)

Third:

Like in 1992, “It’s [still] the economy, stupid.” We should be very concerned that no one is paying much attention to the economy. Issues/distractions like abortion and evolution—what year is this again? Are doing a good job of taking the spotlight off what is draining all or us day by day--the economy and how it is being mishandled. Ignore it, and it won't go away. It will just get worse.

VP Bill Richardson

The candidates are waiting patiently for Bill Richardson’s endorsement but maybe the reason he is taking so long is that someone is telling him that he would make a viable VP candidate. So why endorse Hillary or Obama when it is still not really clear who will be the Democratic candidate? Richardson would make a good addition to either Democratic option. The Governor of New Mexico has the kind of broad adhesive that could result in a cohesive Democratic offering.
It’s a thought at least.

Copyright 2008 Kathryn Fallon klaatukafe

Election thoughts

This is the kind of national election that makes me [almost] wish we had a king. As recently as a month ago, at least a few of the candidates seemed to have potential. If not potential for running the country, then at least potential for running to run the country. Now, I want to run from all of 'em. What happened? Was it them? Is it us? Yep--I know-- "I have seen the enemy and they is us." Not my quote. Walt Kelly, via Pogo.

So, assuming we do get the government we deserve, what is the next step--to avoid complete apathy?

What say you?

Copyright 2008 Kathryn Fallon klaatukafe