Devolution 0
At the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Tony Norman marvels at the Republican Party’s journey from the party of Lincoln to the party of stinkin’.
Coup, Me? 0
Thom discusses Republicans’ seditious actions. He quotes from a speech by George Washington:
Cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust domination.
It’s All about the Algorithm 0
“Social” media isn’t.
Aside:
As I have said before, the landscape of the internet has changed drastically since the Communications Decency Act was passed almost three decades ago. I agree with Dan Romer in the article at the link. “Social” media outfits that manipulate content so as to attract “eyeballs” and increase “engagement” are not impartial platforms for their users’ statements, unlike, for example, my most excellent hosting provider, which provides me a platform, but does not manipulate my content in any way.
Section 230 of that act sorely needs updating to reflect the reality of today’s internet.
Suffer the Children 0
At the Idaho State Journal, Chris Huston, in a longer article about how, in the fuss over abortion, men are somehow in no way held responsible for their role in unwanted pregnancies, expresses his befuddlement.
All the News that Fits Meets
Still Rising Again after All These Years
0
“It Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Means” 0
Thom explains the true origins of the Second Amendment to a caller.
Aside:
The Second Amendment was all about slave patrols. Any other explanation is, shall we say, ahistorical.
The Pipe Dreamer 0
Writing at the Tampa Bay Times, Roy Peter Clark suggests that Republicans’ current efforts to shut down the free market place of ideas may have unintended side effects (emphasis added); follow the link for the rest.
Methinks he is an optimist.
For every adventurous soul who would open a closed door, there are nine sheep who would knock once, then walk away, and twenty who are retweeting randos on Twitter and liking zombie bots on the Zuckerborg.
I am not sanguine.
The Disinformation Superhighway 0
We are again reminded that “social” media isn’t.
QOTD 0
Jean de la Fontaine:
Be advised that all flatterers live at the expense of those who listen to them.
Break Time 0
Off to drink liberally.
Facebook Frolics 0
Well-regulated Slap-on-the-wrist frolics.