Notes from Inside the Beltway

My brother, known on this blog mostly for funny pictures, is also a political science expert working in international development, and one of the most articulate and well-thought-out voices I’ve heard about politics recently:

His comment on the divisions within parties: “The piece from The American Conservative mentioned a civil war within the Republican party during the next four years. A similar struggle is going to take place within the democratic party as it tries to connect with middle America. I worry that the dems will turn to protectionism to find a more populist message.”

On the religious left: “I think there is something to be said for (and hopefully some way to reinvigorate) the Kennedy Catholics- those who look to their faith to press social issues, a faith-based concern for the poor, in the grand tradition of liberation theology and of course Jesus. Unfortunately I think we have a brand of Christianity that has forgotten the proverb “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven” Instead many think their is no better indication of divine blessing and righteousness than being obscenely rich. Interesting that this strain of American Christianity had its origins in New England, but has migrated south.”

The People Have Spoken

The whole world will go on at length. I don’t want to discuss it. Let’s move on as they say, to figuring out what we can do to minimize the damage caused by our election of a theocratic thug. We’re not as divided as we think— a finer-grained map shows not red and blue, but shades of purple. So there is hope.

But still, the American people have spoken. They have voted for four more years of deficits and economic fantasy, four more years of war and daring terrorists to attack us. Four more years of massive contributions to global warming. Four more years of civil liberties erosion, establishment of a state religion, demagoguery, idiocy.

As they say, nobody ever went broke underestimating the American people.

Kerry and the Sox

Well, the line was way too long when I went by the polling station on the way to work. So I’ll be voting in the afternoon. Apparently the state rep for my area (Pat Jehlen) is facing a rather odd little challenger in the form of a man named Dane. He seemed nice enough when I spoke with him at the train station some months ago, but the more I learn about him the less I like him. Also Carl Sciortino needs to get elected– he’s running against a rather vicious little write-in campaign.

But basically I don’t give a damn. the dwarf is all excited and afraid. Same with the whole Sox thing– hand-wringing, nerves, pacing. I just can’t bring myself to any semblance of emotional engagement.

Other things that do not wake me from my stupor: film, dining, vacation planning, exercise, shopping for cool new exercise equipment electronics clothing or motorcycles, video games, the existential questioning of Sox fans now that they are no longer the greatest underdogs ever. I’m sure I can think of some additional ones. Mmmm, numb.

Locking People in a Box is Not a Good Idea

NYT:
In each case, severely mentally ill inmates at separate prisons died from ”decreased intake of food and water” — they starved, in other words — one after announcing a hunger strike and the other while on a suicide watch. The Commission of Correction was searing in its criticism: ”In both cases, the inmates had been identified as having significant mental-health and/or medical problems and were not afforded the care and treatment that these services are required to provide.” Significantly, the commission’s findings are nonbinding; they are often rejected or ignored.

I don’t know that I can say anything about this: there is no pity, no compassion, and no justice in this situation.

Big Fish, Little Fish

I am still getting used to working at a Large Company: at my Small Company, it was a GOOD sign that content was just starting to come together more than a week in advance. At the Big Company, that counts as running perilously close to late.