While I agree with most of the items on your list of American values, I've never really considered humility to be among them. In fact, the American ideals of rugged individualism and personal interest seem to contradict, or at least undermine, the notion of self-sacrifice. Our whole society is designed with this in mind -- particularly the massive (individual) cars we drive.

Humility doesn't become a part of a nation's character until empires have been won and -- more importantly -- lost, the inevitable introspection being a result of defeat at the hands of the "inferior" peoples we had formerly subjugated. It is a cycle in which the US is presently engaged.

Let's hope a new spirit of collectivism arises from the ash-heap that the Bush Junta leaves behind.

Me? I'll be happy if humanity manages to survive the eighteen months until Bush leaves office -- if he leaves office.

Posted at June 19, 2007 9:10 AM in response to The Idea that Is America

Or maybe "L. Horror Davidowitz, III"?

Posted at June 11, 2007 12:41 PM in response to Liberal Propaganda Watch: Murderous Vehicles

If it's any consolation, Max, this liberal agrees with you. When the Democratic Party stops carrying water for the plutocrats, only then we will have a real people-powered movement.

Don't let the snipers and toadies bring you down.

Posted at May 11, 2007 2:13 PM in response to NOTROOTS

I think there's a fourth possibility: that Lam was on to something big, something that leads directly to the VP. The other firings were political cover. If they had canned Lam, solely, the shitstorm would have started months ago.

Of course, if this is the case, it didn't work, so what do I know. The blogs are a wildcard, however. Maybe BushCo, deep thinkers that they are, didn't anticpate the fact that the progressive movement now has its own Wurlitzer.

Posted at March 23, 2007 9:21 AM in response to What was the U.S. Attorney Purge Meant to Achieve?

O.J. "I must create a system, or be enslaved by another man's."

-- William Blake

Posted at June 13, 2006 3:18 PM in response to Mr. Rove is Ready for His Close-Up

I was about to make this exact point. I guess this is Ney's idea of a final gift to his masters -- before the perp walk, that is.

Posted at December 4, 2005 10:24 AM in response to Congress Considers Stripping Homeowners of State Protections

So, I loathe the war because I loathe Bush? Jeez, thanks for setting me straight, Dr. Krauthammer.

Actually, I loathe war in general, especially unnecessary wars waged by incompetent ninnies.

Chait should have quit while he was ahead. 

Posted at November 21, 2005 6:42 PM in response to Prospects for Success

This part of the gulf coast is the heart of the "Red South." I lived there for several years during the mid-80s, so I have a passing familiarity with the region. In my experience, this area may be the reddest part of the country.

Surprisingly, I've seen several interviews today in which residents of Gulfport and Biloxi really let the administration have it. Bush has been asleep at the switch and at least some Bush voters seem to know it. I believe this will have major political fallout for the GOP.

Obviously, none of this applies to NO, which is solidly blue.

On the other hand, dispersing one of the only liberal bastions in the south for an indeterminate period can't be good for southern progressivism.

The ripple effects of this won't be felt for months, so I'm probably pemature in my pronouncements.

Let's just call it a hunch or a gut feeling that the light of day will finally be cast upon this administration 

Posted at September 1, 2005 6:29 PM in response to Hastert to NOLA: You're Not Worth the Trouble

You're quite right, of course. I would argue, however, that this administration will not be seen as a footnote but more the zenith of conservative misanthropy.

Either way, the South won't soon forget how its government abandoned it during this moment of crisis.  

Posted at September 1, 2005 5:07 PM in response to Hastert to NOLA: You're Not Worth the Trouble

Your comment brings to mind the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. How, many people asked at the time, could God destroy one of the most pious cities in all of Europe? Is there a God? Are we somehow missing something? The quake became a major catalyst for the questioning of Christian dogma that swept Europe over the next ninety-or-so years.

I hope this horrific event wakens some conservative voters to the unbelievable incompetence and sheer misanthropy of this alleged administration.

Posted at September 1, 2005 4:08 PM in response to Hastert to NOLA: You're Not Worth the Trouble