If you have understood something, you bear the burden of it's understanding - and by extension, a duty towards it's expression.

This is as true in politics as it is in art or science.

Like in art or science, communicating in language the essence of an object or idea is difficult, usually requiring years of practice and study - and often, when achieved by those who have gained some mastery, is underappreciated.  

I'm placing a poll below.

Please use the thread to write what your soundbite response would be if you were Markos, and chose to address all the O'Reilly, Hewitt, Zephyr, etc... bullshit they're throwing his way.  

Please write concise soundbites ala -

I find I'm constantly torn about being a "regular" reader/commenter around here.  On the one hand, I find the majority of Kosmopolitans to be smart, intelligent, sometimes funny and insightful and occasionally - as in Grand Moff Texan's last "Tsunami" diary - brilliant.  Also, dKos is addictive, but you probably already know that.

On the other hand, there are a few "types" I just can't stand.  So much so they make we want to "check out" permanently.  Kind of like going to a great party, when a few really belligerent drunks drive everyone to early polite goodbyes.

Today's diary is a bit of a "feeler", about attitudes.

Depending on random factors I myself do not understand - some days I feel hopeful about the future of America, and others I am in despair.

It is impossible to think about political matters all the time.  It would be unwise, and certainly unhealthy.  While I appreciate the importance of political/cultural awareness, I also appreciate the value of mental health.  Plus, most of us I suspect, are not involved in politics on a professional level - and have other responsibilities to attend to.

I defended (I thought rather eloquently) my actions, which to me seemed wholly justified.
But I am not writing this now, to talk about that incident.  I'm writing because it got me thinking.  

When, if ever, is name calling the right thing to do?

This evening, once again I am slacking from my workload to ponder a silly, semi-serious subject.

I find myself  "cursing" around here, much more than in my normal speech.  Why is that?

Just got in, 1:30AM - figured I'd say hi to my liberal compadres in computerland.

A very eventful week.  Once again, my hopes and fantasies of a Capra-esque turn around were dashed on the rocky beaches of a  Republican owned government.

aaaaaaaah, fuck it.

I should know better. Being prone to wishful thinking is something I should have stopped years ago - I'm old enough to know better, but hope is like a drug.

The leadership people end up with, regardless of the system of government in a given country, is that which they deserve.

Bear with me here, I'm neither a scientist, nor writer of scholarly works.

Just watched the big "debates" - mostly Senate.

It's just a class/race war.  I thought it was more, but that's all it is.  Same old shit for 200 years.  

Rich Fat White Guys vs. Everyone Else.

I don't like to feel anger and hatred towards anyone, but these motherfuckers make my blood boil.

Basically it went like this -

I'm taking a break to write this, because as per usual - people annoy the shit out of me, and I feel motivated to rant.  Unfortunately no one pays me for this, and the occasional 4 rating, while nice, doesn't really mean shit to me.
I'm not here for approval, I'm here from a combination of boredom, discontent, and ego mania - I haven't figured out the percentages of each yet, I suppose it varies.

The big "challenge" is tomorrow.

After writing another "thoughtful" diary, just previous to this one - I had another minor epiphany.  People aren't really digging the pensive, brooding, b6.  They favor the "lighter" slightly askew b6.  The one just this side of conciousness - the dumb fuck that reminds them of a guy they knew back...

And so I'm thinking - While I may make periodically insightful comments on other people's threads -  I should probably restrict my own diaries to my vaguely humourous meanderings.

He's a generation back from me, 11 years younger to be exact.
While Eric and I share some similar film, tv, and musical interests - I am definitely aware of some generational difference in our choices.  I've never been a fan of hyper-violent films, or action films or "guy" films in general, and no, I'm not gay. Occasionally they'll be one that's a bit smarter than the pack, but generally they're just too dumb for me.  I usually find myself hoping all the characters get killed.

This is not a diary about violence.  

Today's question is one I've had for several years now.  
No one talks about it, and that seems almost bizarre to me.

If there really are terrorists out to get the US - and this is not merely a ploy by our government to control people through fear - how is it possible that there have been no serious attacks on our soil since 9/11?

I would say I'm on a roll - only I know the truth, I should be in the other room working but feel uninspired and kind of blah.

I've been the "pensive and heartfelt" b6 in my earlier diary, and I've been part of the fiery commentary on georgia10's wonderful diary in response to Kos.  Frankly, I've had all the seriousness I can stand for the moment - and so I will indulge in the kind of idiocy one should indulge in as we head towards midnite.

One of the things I like most about dKos - on days when I'm not feeling annoyed - is the demographic "spread".  It's nice to communicate with people both older and younger, of different races, classes, histories, etc.

This has been a saddening year for me.
Nothing personally catastrophic has happened to me. Well, maybe, but it all seems trivial compared to the
amount of suffering in the world currently.

I've grown increasingly less tolerant of pointless festivity.
It feels "unnatural" to be celebrating this evening.  I'm going over
to some close friends later, I've never been crazy about New Year's Eve - this year, along with Christmas, it all seems particularly forced.

I'm probably a bit more "New Agey" than many folks around here.

The list of horrors that go on constantly, without even a mention in the news, remember Rwanda - or how 'bout Sudan?

AIDS in Africa is more cataclysmic than even this weeks events, it's almost never talked about.  Most Americans have no idea of the epidemic proportions the disease has grown to on that continent.  Is it because they wouldn't care?
Or because it doesn't sell advertising as effectively as Scott Petersen?

Let me say clearly, this is not George Bush's fault.  He's only the latest in a string of leaders representative of the American population.  

Since the world is in the proverbial "toilet", I've taken to writing amusing questions, etc., here on underground toilet news central.

It breaks up the day.  Good news is rare, and it provides welcome relief for those who've become bored with my standard profound and insightful responses to the various crises written about around here.  Genius and compassion are a tiring double duty indeed.

And so -