More unoriginal profundity

I wish these thoughts were mine:

"Most people prefer to believe that their leaders are just and fair, even in the face of evidence to the contrary, because once a citizen acknowledges that the government under which he lives is lying and corrupt, the citizen has to choose what he or she will do about it.  To take action in the face of corrupt government entails risks of harm to life and loved ones.  To choose to do nothing is to surrender one's self-image of standing for principles.  Most people do not have the courage to face that choice.  Hence, most propaganda is not designed to fool the critical thinker but only to give moral cowards an excuse not to think at all."    — Michael Rivero

"Certainly the Bush experience represents something of a teaching moment for the left.  What can they learn?  Do not trust the state.  Do not ask it for anything.  Reject power and all its works.  Once unleashed, it resists containment.  Even if the left will forever loathe capitalism and the market economy, it can come to recognize that the state which tramples on property at home will trample on everyone's liberties, at home and everywhere."    — Lew Rockwell

"Naturally, the common people don't want war, neither in Russia, nor England, nor for that matter Germany.  That is understood.  But after all, it is leaders of the country who determine the policy; and it is always a simple matter to drag people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship.  Voice or no voice, the people can be brought to the bidding of the leaders.  That is easy.  All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger.  It works the same in every country."    — Hermann Göring

Make 'em read 'em!

Remember when the USA PATRIOT Act was passed and no legislators were able to read the final version they voted on?  Here's a common-sense cause worthy of everyone's support, unless you're a corrupt legislator!  Downsize DC has organized a campaign to pass a Read the Bills Act that would force every bill, whether it's new or being renewed, to be read aloud before a quorum both the House and Senate.  According to the site, the effects would be

• Congress will have to slow down.  This means the pace of government growth will also slow.


• Bills will shrink, be less complicated, and contain fewer subjects, so that Congress will be able to endure hearing them read.


• Fewer bad proposals will be passed due to "log-rolling".


• No more secret clauses will be inserted into bills at the last moment.


• Government should shrink as old laws reach their sunset date and have to be read for the first time before they can be renewed.

Sounds good to me!  Take a few minutes to check out the site and send a message to your legislators.

By the way, this government propaganda site about the USA PATRIOT Act will make you feel sick.

The Lonely Island

If you like the new SNL Digital Shorts, you must check out The Lonely Island.  My favorites are the Nintendo animation and the song Zanzabar [sic].  These dudes are awesome!  If their humor were any more off-the-wall, it would be on the opposite wall.

Rewriting Hal David

Why do birds
Suddenly appear
Every time
I drink beer?

Just like me,
They long to be
Close to brew.