Column: You’re Not Supposed to Be Happy

The whole idea of a democracy is accepting you’ll never fully get your own way in government. Yes, I know we celebrate the imagined rugged individual pulling on his sole-proprietorship bootstraps fully autonomous while enjoying socialized infrastructure and tax subsidies – it’s what makes America great….and charmingly peculiar. But letting consensus dictate means all individuals… Continue reading

The Atlantic: Solidarity Meets the Blogosphere at Netroots Nation

Jun 17 2011, 11:27 AM ET Progressives have often suffered for what can be called “micro-cause-ism.” Meaning when you arrive at anti-war rally or the like, suddenly there are people clamoring to save the whales/polar bears, stop sexism/racism, free Tibet/Mumia and go raw/vegan/organic/local, etc., etc. Each of these causes believes it is the most important… Continue reading

We Get the Media We Want

“The media” is our favorite whipping boy. It’s shallow, petty and often stupid. It misses points, focuses on the wrong things, and completely ignores the bigger issues. It’s prone to obsess on trivial rivalries and scandals instead of thoughtful substantive discussions about things which affect us most. Essentially, the media is a mirror of us…. Continue reading

The Case for Actual Death Panels

Dr. Death is dead. Murad (Jack) Kevorkian, whose name has been synonymous with doctor-assisted suicide, died last week at 83. He spent eight years in a maximum-security prison for helping the sick end their suffering. It was clear Kevorkian was no angel” of death. He was eccentric, flamboyant and obstinate about his pet cause. He… Continue reading

Sarah Palin’s Enemies List

David Letterman Wall Street Journal/Sudeep Reddy Senator Lisa Murkowski (R) Levi Johnston Shannyn Moore Katie Couric Nicolle Wallace Steve Schmidt Kate Gosselin The Fed/Ben Bernanke Pete Rouse Joe McGinniss Peggy Noonan Ashley Judd Congressman Spencer Bachus (R) Alaska State Trooper Mike Wooten Joe Miller Politico Karl Rove State Department (Ahmadinejad’s birthday) Rahm Emanuel Family Guy/Seth… Continue reading