2023 archive
A Tune for the Times 0
Mangy comments at the Youtube page:
The “party of law and order” and “states’ rights” is certainly melting down over a state daring to attempt to uphold the law when it comes to Donald Trump. Suddenly, breaking the law is just “something everybody does, so no big deal. Cut the guy some slack!” At the same time, Hunter Biden owning a laptop has become an issue they believe threatens our core principles.
Unbalanced, Unchecked 0
Thom argues that Florida Man is going full-on fascist.
Artificial Covert Intelligence 0
At Psychology Today Blogs Steven Hassan, who has spent four decades studying the use of “undue influence” in cults, politics, and relationships, explores the darker potential of AI. A snippet:
We already know that “social” media isn’t.
In view of the “golly gosh gee whiz” attitude with which many are greeting the AI/ChatGPT hype, I think his piece is worth a look.
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Decoding de Code 0
Robert C. Koehler explains the unstated wishes of those who are “anti-woke”:
Follow the link for context.
Precedented, Reprise 0
The editorial board of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch looks at Republicans’ reaction to the indictment of Donald Trump and finds an unprecedented precedent. Here’s a small bit from their piece:
All the News that Fits 0
Dick Polman looks at the revelations about Fox News’s fibs relating to the Dominion law suit and at those who cling to tham and asks,
Follow the link for his thoughts as to the answer.
Recommended Reading 0
If you’re a mystery buff, as I have been since I bought my first 35-cent Perry Mason Pocketbook paperback back in the olden days, when I was a young ‘un, check out William D. Andrews’s novels.
The stories are told through the eyes of Julie Williamson, director of an historical society in a small town in western Maine. The plots may not rise to the level of, say, Agatha Christie, in terms of being tightly woven, but the author makes the characters become real. In the second novel, Breaking Ground, one of the characters was so creepy in a real life way that he reminded me of persons I have known and dealt with.
If you want fast-paced and hard-boiled, these are not the books for you.
If you want realistic characters and real-life atmosphere, try one out.
The Republican Party Personality Cult
0
At the Las Vegas Sun, Casey Harrison explores Republicans’ fealty to Donald Trump in the face of the evidence of–er–somewhat questionable behavior. A snippet (emphasis added):
(snip)
“Unlike figures like Richard Nixon, who faced severe political consequences from his party in the light of the Watergate scandal, Trump has had no consequences meted out to him by the current Republican Party for his antagonism,” Benning said. “In this way, his supporters see a figure who shares their personality traits and values, who promises to put them on top of society, even though Trump has antagonistic and disinhibited traits that would make it difficult for him to enact those promises.”
The complete piece is worthy of your attention.
