THE DAY
Listening to the Democratic Town Hall meeting right now, and I’m of two minds. On the one hand, I appreciate hearing some civilized rhetoric instead of the scream-fests that characterize the meanness that is Republican rhetoric. But I also object to the game show atmosphere. It’s not as bad as the Republican side, but it’s definitely there. I can see the need for some theater, though, because–really–who honestly wants to take, say, Sanders’s economic ideas and pick them apart? It’s easy to do; his proposals make no sense and only seem good because they sound radical and populist.
Look, the first and last true populist to be elected was Andrew Jackson (who also founded the Democratic party). You can argue about whether he was a good president; he wasn’t “socialist” so much as ruthless. Just ask the Indians he forcibly removed from the Southeast. He also dismantled the banking system which, you could argue, led to the panic of 1837 and subsequent depression that ended in 1841. So, great, he was against big business. He also tried to wreck the country while he was at it. Oh, and he actively worked to suppress Northern abolitionists.
Sanders isn’t a revolutionary. He’s a contrarian. He’s an effective speaker, but he’s also effectively anti-capitalist, which is problematic in a country driven by capitalism.
Oy–and now the town hall is over and the commentators are giving out their score cards. I already know what I think, thanks. I don’t need a commentator to tell me how I ought to think.
So what about my score card for the day? Not too bad, though I was interrupted by workmen and then a power outage. Still, worked pretty steadily and finally broke away for a late swim. Then back home, some more work (STILL not quite done, damn it), and then the husband came home.
Tomorrow might be tight; I’ve got one of those obligation things :<P A saving grace: the husband has another obligation thing on Wednesday, so I won’t have to cook.
WRITING OUT LOUD
Far Side of the Moon
Day 1: 4326 Day 11: 2500 Day 21: 1800 Day 31: 745
Day 2: 2085 Day 12: 500 Day 22: 0 Day 32: 0
Day 3: 3011 Day 13: 1000 Day 23: 2700 Day 33: 4000
Day 4: 2652. Day 14: 3700 Day 24: 3500 Day 34: 2800
Day 5: 3210 Day 15: 5630 Day 25: 1500 Day 35: 4500
Day 6: 3450 Day 16: 1060 Day 26: 0 Day 36: 4800
Day 7: 0 Day 17: 130 Day 27: 0 Day 37: 0
Day 8: 2756 Day 18: 0 Day 28: 380 Day 38: 450
Day 9: 4580 Day 19: 3000 Day 29: 390 Day 39: 1000
Day 10: 2670 Day 20: 2600 Day 30: 380 Day 40: 2500
Day 41: 2600 Day 51: 1000
*Day 42: 830 Day 52: 1600
Day 43: 3600 Day 53: 2600
Day 44: 5000 Day 54: 3600
Day 45: 2600
Day 46: 3000
Day 47: 2800
Day 48: 2500
Day 49: 1000
Day 50: 4600
Blog Post: 500
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What I’m Watching:
Nothing today. Swam.
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What I’m Reading:
Started Operation Paperclip:The Secret Intelligence Program that Brought Nazi Scientists to American by Annie Jacobsen. Only gotten a bit through the first chapter but so far so good. I think it had me at the word “Nazi” in the title. Van Braun shows up in the first 20 pages at a special soiree with Hitler. Every person who’s just besotted with the “German” rocket scientists needs to read this book.
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What I’m Listening to:
A boring commentator. I am so tuning out.
