“An Armed Society Is a Polite Society” 0
And another “responsible gun owner” confirms that phrase to be an oxymoron:
The initial investigation revealed that the child accidentally shot himself with a handgun that belonged to his father. The handgun, for which the owner has a permit, was recovered at scene.
The child may indeed have “accidentally” shot himself, being too young to understand the consequences of his actions, but, without question, the parent with gross negligence allowed the child to access the portable phallus.
We are a broken society.
Lab Leak Lunacy 0
Rebecca Watson explores the susceptibility of some to the COVID “lab leak” theory, which is supported by zero evidence whatsoever, and what that theory’s persistence portends for the polity. Her analysis motivates one to be less than sanguine about the sagacity of the susceptible. (Warning: Mild language.)
If you prefer, you can read the transcript.
Afterthought:
We are becoming a nation unmoored from factual reality.
Republican Thought Police 0
Last week, a Florida school board band the book, Ban This Book, a children’s book about school book bans. In response, Scott Maxwell offers some advice to the Republican Thought Police:
Follow the link the rest of his response.
Transmogrification 0
At the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Keith Burris discusses the path from populism to nationalism to fascism. Though I’m not sure I agree with everything he says, I think it a timely read. Here’s a bit (emphasis added):
Reaction is the ignition and the fuel. Not conservatism, not preservation, but reaction.
And reaction often leads to wrecking balls.
That is when nationalist populism turns into something properly called fascism.
Methinks a lot of the antics of the right-wing evangelical they-call-themselves Christians fits right in with Burris’s thoughts on reaction.
Political Climate 0
Thom and a caller discuss why fascism seems to be on the rise in Europe and the U. S. and how the effects of climate change may be fueling fascist impulses.
It’s short piece and well worth a listen.
“An Armed Society Is a Polite Society” 0
Yet more random acts of politeness.
For Pete’s sake, a BB gun is still a gun and should be treated as such. Indeed, its ammunition is for all practical purposes little musket balls.
We are a society of stupid.
Overt Operators 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Seth J. Gillihan writes of the “7 signs that you’re a covert manipulator.”
Follow the link and see whether his piece reminds you of any over manipulators who may be in the news.
The Crypto Con 0
Writing at the Washington Monthly, Graham Steele, expresses concern that Congress might fall for the Crypto Con. He notes that
Follow the link to find out why he thinks this bill is a not very good really really bad exceedingly stupid idea.
Aside:
If you want to learn more about the Crypto Con, check out Harry Shearer’s Le Show, where he has a regular feature on the “Crypto Winter.” (Click on an episode and you can see what topics are covered in that episode and what time they appear.)
“History Does Not Repeat Itself, but It Often Rhymes”* 0
Betty Bowers hears a whole slew of rhymes.
Via C&L, which has commentary.
________________
*Mark Twain.
This New Gilded Age, Reprise 0
Paul Krugman offers a theory as to why many of the rich seem to be support Donald Trump, despite his obvious incompetence;
Wealthy Americans, though, are surely betting they’ll pay lower taxes if Trump wins.
Follow the link for his reasoning.
This New Gilded Age 0
Thom discusses how trickle-on economics has made the rich richer and the poor poorer.