While perusing the local liberal periodical, I came to a simple but sane realization. I would like to work on the quality of this site more frequently: make it more usable while upgrading our content. I’m going to work on 3 or 4 things a week. There’s no substitute for thinking things out over time rather than rushing to judgment.
Always,
Alec
Deus Ex, a video game released in June of 2000 — a year before the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the passing of the Patriot Act — depicts a society ravaged by illness and terrorism slowly imploding in on itself. In the game, a number of terrorist organizations have formed with an Orwellian government response, creating an atmosphere of government-imposed citizen-on-citizen spying and constant suspicion. Deus Ex has an striking clairvoyance towards the mood in the United States since September 11th, exemplified by an electronic bulletin posted by the US government in New York City:
Ugh, I fucking hate Joe Lieberman:
Sen. Joe Lieberman, Connecticut independent, yesterday called for the U.S. to confront Iran — possibly with militarily force — after U.S. military officials reported that Iran was training Iraqi Shi’ite fighters, reports S.A. Miller of The Washington Times.
“These revelations should be a wake-up call to the United States about the threat posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as a reminder why Iraq is, in fact, the central front of the global war on terror,” said Mr. Lieberman….
“Although no one desires a conflict with Iran, the fact is that the Iranian government by its actions has declared war on us,” said Mr. Lieberman, the 2000 Democratic nominee for vice president.
And in the Gawker post of the week (awarded by me): Pasture-fed animals who live lives of gentle ease before having their lips and udders ground up and stuffed into natural casing are the wave of the future: Now you can have your hot dog, eat it too, and still be the kind of sanctimonious prick who complains about cruelty to lobsters while you stuff your Whole Foods canvas bag full of organic radicchio that was picked by some kid making five cents an hour.
Other things worth perusing:
Fred Thompson Voted ‘Guilty’ on Clinton Perjury Charges, Now Supports Libby’s Half-Pardon
Ron Paul supporters spam auditorium to capacity
Bush Crimes That Will Get Him Impeached, Tried, Removed and Tried Again as a Common Criminal
If tomorrow all the things were gone
I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again
with just my children and my wife,
I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
Cause the flag still stands for freedom
and they can’t take that away.
I’m proud to be an American
where at least I know I’m free,
And, I won’t forget the men who died
who gave that right to me.
And I’ll gladly stand up
next to you
and defend her still today.
Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land…
God Bless the U.S.A.
From the lakes of Minnesota
to the hills of Tennessee,
Across the plains of Texas
from sea to shining sea,
from Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.,
There’s pride in every American heart
and it’s time we stand and say:
I’m proud to be an American
where at least I know I’m free,
And, I won’t forget the men who died
who gave that right to me.
And, I’ll gladly stand up?next to you
and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land…
God Bless the U.S.A!
The artist of the day is Phoenix. [wikipedia] Phoenix is another French group, though they swing in the pop/rock genre instead of the electronic dance style. One interesting thing about the group apart from their catchy tunes is that the lead singer is shacking up with Sofia Coppola, who you may remember as the director of Lost in Translation.
Long Distance Call (off of It’s Never Been Like That):
Consolation Prizes (off of It’s Never Been Like That):
Too Young (off of United):
Radio France Internationale has an article about them.
