OK, so the FBI considers juggalos a gang now. But it’s still troubling to me that a) anyone in black and white face paint takes themselves seriously (not even KISS did) and b) that people probably paid to hear this man speak. The Conway Twitty reference is entertaining, though.
The Article: To Make America Great Again, We Need to Leave the Country by Elliot Gerson at the Atlantic.
The Text: Foreign observers used to chuckle at that very distinctly American political rhetoric of exceptionalism — the assertions of our God-granted preeminence and predestination. But beneath that laughter, there was usually grudging respect, and even envy for a country whose citizens were so ready to express such national pride.
Now such language it is often openly derided. Let’s face it, even with all the problems in Europe, and everywhere, the American lantern is not as brightly inviting as it used to be. And I don’t mean just literally inviting, as in inviting to immigrants — though that in itself is a huge problem, one that contributes to the general perception of a country closing itself inward.
When Americans travel abroad, they are often surprised at how well other countries do the things we used to think America does best. In fact, one reason so many American businesses still lead the world is because they benchmark the competition and emulate best practices. But suggest to an American politician that we should try to learn from other countries, and he will look at you like you are from Mars. It is somehow unpatriotic even to raise such comparisons.
Unfortunately the Second Amendment has a lot of people lobbying for it in DC.
After 20 pages of Atlas Shrugged, it seemed pretty clear that the book would make a better doorstop than it would an effective and noble ideology. But for some, namely Paul Ryan, obstructionism is the way to go.
The Article: Low-paying jobs are here to stay by Tami Luhby in CNNMoney.
The Text: Stuck in a job with lousy pay? Better get used to it.
Some 28% of workers are expected to hold low-wage jobs in 2020, roughly the same percentage as in 2010, according to a study by the Economic Policy Institute.
The study defines low-paying jobs as those with wages at or below what full-time workers must earn to live above the poverty level for a family of four. In 2011, this was $23,005, or $11.06 an hour.
