Airhead Guitar Heroes

Posted in THE POLITY on October 5th, 2008 by Michael Mehl

Air Guitar Heroes rejoice! One of yours is now on a presidential ticket to, maybe, somewhere.

Sarah Palin is here to take up your cause. There is no longer need to wallow in nerdy resignation because you really, truly, have no talent whatsoever; as much as you try to make up for it by going all silly, breaking into a sweat with fake guitar chops ripped off from old videos of Stairway To Heaven.

It’s OK to pretend now. It’s legit. It’s cool. So long as you have an audience.
Read more »

Of Clowns And Men

Posted in THE POLITY on October 3rd, 2008 by Michael Mehl

Compared to Sarah Palin, George W. Bush has wisdom and gravitas. Compared to the current incarnation of John McCain, George W. Bush really has a pair of cojones. Compared to all three, Dick Cheney is Master Of The Universe.

George W. Bush never had convictions to begin with, so it is inappropriate to fault him for losing them, leaving them behind, or throwing them away. In his case, convictions are irrelevant. John McCain not only had convictions, as he has said, he had the Courage of his convictions, as is perceived by his base. In McCain’s case, in his public persona, his convictions are the most relevant aspect of his character. In his quest for power however, he has pointedly put courage and convictions aside.
Read more »