Curious_Canid

I don't think it is generally considered a good book, but I'm sure it depends on who you ask. I thought it had some interesting ideas, but was pretty weak overall.

I, for one, welcome our new squirrel overlords.

That makes perfect sense. :-)

Language is just a consensus. If enough people agree about how it works, then that's how it works.

Absolutely. It isn't true. It just should be.

Americans do have a spine. The problem is that too many of them are no longer connected by functioning brains. Those spines are what elected Trump.

Neither side has been willing to change, or even talk about, the shift of wealth that has left most people barely able to get by. Working people get less and less reward for their efforts and the difference all goes to the owners. I think that is at least one aspect of Bernie's complaint about the Democrats.

I did not know about that. Time for me to do some reading. Thanks for your post!

I've tried a great many different black and green teas, but my favorite is Constant Comment. I realize that makes me a barbarian low-life, but I genuinely enjoy the flavor.

I have thought for years that we needed more political parties in this countries, but the current system makes it almost impossible for them to hold any real power.

What's needed is a takeover of the Democratic party. The Republicans did it, for evil. We could do it for good.

The practical problem is that Citizens United gives the super-rich most of the power. It would take a very large-scale populist movement to push them out and take back control.

Bernie is a national treasure. And no one who hears him speak will wonder about whether his mind is still sharp.

The perfect quote from "The Newsroom":

Will : “The only reason I seem liberal is because I believe hurricanes are caused by high barometric pressure not gay marriage.”

My first presidential election was in 1980. I waited almost six hours to vote for Jimmy Carter in Iowa City, Iowa, USA (a medium-sized college town).

It was surprisingly festive. There were people walking the line handing out water and snacks. There were several musicians performing at various points along the line.