El Politico

Sometimes I get into political discussions and every once in a blue moon those discussions turn into debates. I don't know enough about politics to debate well on the subject, however I do know a wee bit about reason and human nature and it's on these bases that I derive my opinions on law, conflict, and governments.

Invariably, when I'm discussing politics with someone who doesn't share my point of view, they usually say, "ah, so you're a Republican," and when I explain that, no, I'm not, they're usually puzzled. The fact is, probably 95% of my views are very conservative and very Republican, but I have no desire to associate myself with that particular party and I often have a difficult time articulating why.

Then I 'll see something like this video clip of Dennis Miller debating Eric Alterman and I'll remember why I refuse to be a Republican.

Republicans are dicks.

Okay, no, not all Republicans. Many are sincere, honest people that seem to know a thing or two about Why the World is the Way It Is and vote their beliefs... but it's too often that Republicans manage to live up to their reputations of being narrow, boorish, trigger-happy buffoons that are more interested in showing the world how intelligent they are than in hearing anyone out. Personally, I agree completely with Miller and I think Alterman's thesis is beyond absurd... but, come on, Dennis. Is this what it's come to? Mockery?

I used to have more faith in the media than I do these days. If anything, the exhaustive amounts of research I've been doing lately has taught me that bias is inevitable. History, just like contemporary news, is written by people with agendas and opinions and... frankly, I'm glad this is the case. I used to roll my eyes at phrases like 'The Liberal Media', but it gets harder to deny each day.

Frankly, nothing would make me happier than to see Conservative Republicans disassociate themselves from the Religious Right, because all they manage to do is carry the other's baggage. I received a polictal email forward last week bemoaning the loss of prayer in schools! Unreal! Am I the only Christian that thinks that the removal of faculty and administration-led prayer from schools was a positive thing? Surely even an imbecile could see that these laws inhibit your Christian daughter's science teacher from leading the class in a prayer to Buddha, Pastor Jim.

Come November, as I said in my last post, I'll be voting for George W. Bush. Though she may kill me for saying so, my wife will not. Carey and I disagree on many political issues, but I have to say that it's hard to blame her for her opinions, especially after watching the methods in which the most vocal Republicans defend their positions.
...


In related news, all I seem to hear about lately is Howard Stern and the FCC's handling of the obsenity statutes. Man, I don't know what to think. Lately, even Rush Limbaugh is described the FCC's treatment of him and other 'shock jocks' as "chilling".

Me, I don't know. I'm the last person to defend Howard Stern and bag on the FCC, but it's getting hard to deny that they've begun pulling charges and fines out of thin air lately. Is it too outrageous to imagine that Christianity would be thought of as "obscene" one day? Don't laugh.

Whatever the case, it'll be an interesting November.

posted by Jeremy Bear 1:02 PM

---

Sunday, March 21, 2004

Watching Paint Dry

"Your mother and sisters are going to be here in two weeks," she said, "and LOOK at this place! It's no different than when we first moved in!"

"Well, now, honey..."

"Enough! Enough! We paint!"

So, for the past three days, we've been in a painting frenzy in the entry way, the hall, and most of all... the living room. Just finished coat number two about 20 minutes ago, in fact. Carey feels that the experience of painting is terrific fun, a way to bond two spouses together. Our home! Our project! Our future!

Me, I just want to be finished.

But it's one more strange, grown-up thing that I've never done: painting our very own walls in a house that we've paid for with our very own money. So, I don't know, I guess it is kind of cool.
...


I don't ususally talk politics here, in fear that my ignorance might be completely exposed, but hoofah! are Bush's critics coming out in full force lately! I can't speak for the rest of the world, but most days it seems like I'm the only person in the world who seems to feel that he's done a decent job over the last 4 years.

From the goofy news-report that wasn't a news-report that came from the White House recently all the way to the "could George have prevented 9-11 and did he try to pin it on Saddam?" testimonies of late, the guy is taking a beating. I'll go ahead and say that I full intend on voting for him again in November, but since I'm a California resident, I can't imagine my vote will make a whit of difference.

When are we going to get on the stick and abolish this retarded, antiquated electoral college? Is there anyone left who doesn't think this relic is a ridiculous idea? If anyone knows of a petition I can sign, please let me know.
...


A few people have asked me lately if I'm still on my no-sugar-low-carb bit and is it making a difference? Well, yes, I'm still managing to hang on. I've relaxed it slightly, but I fully intend to make most of these changes permanent fixtures in my life. I've also done a fairly good job of keeping caffeine and alcohol out, too. I've had iced tea now and then, it's true, and I did have a glass of Chinese beer on Friday, but I've way reduced my intake of both. As for carbs... eh, haven't been quite as faithful with that, but I'm not sweating it. Sugar? Still no desserts, no sugary foods, nothing. (I have to admit, though, that I had a muffin this morning... I know, I feel bad. But, that's as bad as I've gotten and, really, I feel as if I'm doing pretty well).

The whole diet bit has yielded some really great discoveries, though. In my body's quest to get sugar SOMEhow, I've turned to fruit juices and naturally sweetened beverages. Specifically, the wife and I have jumped on board with R.W. Knudsen Juices and Beverages and these things are a godsend. Particularly the spritzers. All the benefits of a soft drink, no added sugar, no caffeine, ten times the taste, twenty times more healthy... and... er... nearly 3 times as expensive. But, pah, it's worth it. Go to your friendly neighborhood natural health food store and check it out.
...


Was supposed to report for jury duty last week. Skipped it. Oops.
...


Last of all, I've begun to wrap my brain around the shape of this outrageously huge, sprawling story I intend to tell about the Spanish Inquisition. At the moment, I'm envisioning it in four fairly sizeable volumes and my working title is The Black Legend. Some scripts and/or stories I've written in the past have been fun to do, but it's been rare that I've written something that I truly felt was a story that Needed to be Told. Well, Black Legend, in my humble opinion, falls in the latter category. It's big. It's important. People should know.

Already, though, I've started to cringe when I really begin to consider what I'm getting myself into. This thing is enormous.

posted by Jeremy Bear 10:35 PM

---