Friday, November 8, 2002 |
09:44 - W00t!
http://ackackack.com/
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Wow, look-- I'm part of a demographic! I feel sooo like I belong. :)
Judson has a theory that being a Simpsons fan and a Mac-head makes for a Libertarian. (He cites me rather flatteringly as an example. Thanks!) I wouldn't be surprised, given the prevalence of such sentiments in the blogosphere; there seems to be a Simpsons quote for every occasion, and I continue to be startled at how many high-profile bloggers have telltale links specifically to Mac resources.
I wouldn't quite say I describe myself as Libertarian, though. I certainly didn't vote a straight Lib ticket or anything. I'd like to see a Lib as attorney general, and maybe one as Treasurer, but other than that there's policy to be made that I think the Libertarian agenda is just a little too unrealistic for. Sure, those are fine ideals they've got-- but there are realities of life in this complex world that just have to be left to a central government to handle. And I don't place individual rights above all other priorities under all circumstances; for example, I think racial profiling is a regrettable but necessary means of protecting the public. No, I'm not a fan of the feds pawing through the carry-on bags of every Arab-American who gets on a plane. But I do think that makes a whole lot more sense, and inconveniences a whole helluva lot fewer people, and gives a hugely better impression of the government's intelligence and common sense, than patting down old ladies and single parents with kids in tow.
Yes, we need to be alert for individual liberties wherever possible. But we don't have to be damn fools about it.
That's why I wish there were an Anti-Idiotarian party to vote for. Too much to ask, I know; politics is, by definition, the art of making the people happy with your actions and opinions. And even with this week's Republican landslide, and even with all the efforts of all the bloggers with all their loyal readership, it still isn't the majority of the public who thinks like we do. Most people need to be told what to think, and need to feel like an R or a D, if they take an interest in politics at all. My friend Chris has a set of Laws, the Third of which is: I am not the target audience. It's a mantra we should all repeat to ourselves as often as possible.
Just remember: by definition, half the population has an IQ of less than 100.
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