Political Theatre category archive
See Foot. Shoot Foot. 0
David parses the magical thinking of MAGA and the upcoming “I told you so.” (Warning: Short commercial at the end.)
All the News that Gives You Fits 0
Arash Javanbakht, writing at Psychology Today Blogs, notes that studies show that many Americans are not just turned off by the news, they are turning off the news because they are emotionally worn out. He looks into thee reasons why.
Here’s a bit of his article (follow the link for the rest–it is a worthwhile read):
Over the past few decades, many people have felt a strong push for tribalism, an “us vs. them” way of seeing the world, turning Americans against one another. This has led to a point where we are not just in disagreement with each other. We hate, cancel, block, and attack those who disagree with us.
I agree that the news is very bad. The nation may well be in its worst crisis since the 1850s. I also agree that not wallowing in the news from dawn to dusk is wise.
But turning away from it entirely–not a good idea in these fraught times.
All the News that Fits 0
Speaking of broligarchs . . . .
Fiefdom of the Press 0
Thom muses on media’s choosing to kowtow to Trump.
A Tune for the Times 0
(Warning: Short one minute long commercial at about the one-minute mark, but the tune is worth it.)
The Recycle Heap 0
David argues that Donald Trump’s proposed policies, such as tariffs, deregulation, trickle on economics, etc., amount to recycling failed policies from the past and will fail again.
Admissions Test 0
Michael in Norfolk sums it up:
Follow the link for context.
The Privatization Scam 0
The Arizona Republic’s E. J. Montini makes a strong case that, in Arizona, the privatization scam just got scammier.
Recommended Listening 0
Harry Shearer’s interview with Dr. Stephanie Kelton, professor of economics and public policy at Stony Brook University, in which they hold a balanced discussion of the federal deficit; In the course of their discussion, Kelton explodes many of the myths and falsehoods spread by the self-styled “deficit hawks.” The discussion starts at the 21-minute mark.
By the way, the rest of the show is also well worth a listen. I try not to miss an episode.
If One Standard Is Good, Two Must Be Better 0
Methinks David makes a valid point. (Warning: Short commercial at the end.)
Republican Thought Police 0
Scott Maxwell has a question for Florida’s Republican thought police:
But to this day, the state has refused to produce a list of the books it believes are inappropriate — or even answer questions about whether certain books are OK when asked. Why do you think that is?.
Follow the link for his answer to his admittedly rhetorical question.
