Glenn, thanks for stating this concept so clearly. Yesterday’s newspaper printed a letter from a woman who said Democrats want to limit our personal freedoms. My immediate impulse was to write a response that she had it backwards, couldn’t see the authoritarianism behind Republican rhetoric, etc. etc. But I quickly realized that, unfortunately, she did have a point: too much of the current Democratic “leadership” is confused and politically timid in this regard.

Certainly he did. The object of the State religion, such as it was, was Our Ford.

Somewhat off topic, Glenn, but yesterday digby had a post addressing populism vs. producerism, and some of the historic fallout of authoritarian (or, as in Henry Ford’s case, paternalistic) co-option of otherwise populist movements that I’d be interested your take on.

Regarding this morning’s example of music, Huxley, in Brave New World, has mandatory Community Sings as a means of pacifying the masses and exerting social control. To use music in this manner — how ironic!

Perhaps a future Sunday morning post, or point us to posts past?

Good morning Glenn.

And, I suppose, a welcome here for all reports on what the supply-and-demand elephant looks like.

What is that saying about evil being mundane, boring, not ready for prime time?

Possibly Hannah Arendt’s coining the phrase “the banality of evil,” while covering the trial of Adolph Eichmann.

And this . . .

“And the seasons
they go ’round and ’round
and the painted ponies go up and down
We’re captive on a carousel of Time
We can’t return
we can only look behind
from where we came
And go ’round and ’round and ’round
in the Circle Game.”

- Joni Mitchell
The Circle Game

From Havel’s The Power of the Powerless (1978):

Ideology is a specious way of relating to the world. It offers human beings the illusion of an identity, of dignity, and of morality while making it easier for them to part with them. As the repository of something suprapersonal and objective, it enables people to deceive their conscience and conceal their true position and their inglorious modus vivendi, both from the world and from themselves.

The fires of this world are within us. We forget that at our collective peril.

“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”

A lot to chew on here. Thanks, Glenn, for the Sunday morning mind expansions.

The scary thing is, one of the Le Goons (pardon) might actually become president.

Soy Oy.

‘Morning, Glenn.

that he or she must be out our next president if the Republic is to be saved.

Fixed it for you. Though it could be said that this process the Repubs are going through is indeed outing the dark sides of their candidates.

The welfare minister who cried at the thought of forcing old pensioners into poverty had a choice, by the way. She could have resigned rather than play a role in this mess.

A good rule of thumb to evaluate by: Never accept from anyone the words: “I had no choice.” Especially from those who preach personal responsibility.

Good morning, Glenn.

As to the post, my compass for evaluating any action is to ask: “Is this life-enhancing or life-denying.” It works for institutional actions as well as for the actions of individuals.

Thank you for your life-enhancing posts.

I like Glenn’s comment @5

While the times call for a certain commitment to self-promotion (there really is no way to be heard without first banging your drum; maybe there’s never been in modern consumer culture), nothing says it can’t be done with a spirit of knowingness and humility.

I’m remembering that k.d. lang found her fame in the Country/Western genre . . .

In his Oscar acceptance speech, Springsteen also showed us his modestly becoming approach to his art. And maybe that modesty is key.

As a musician, I most often play in venues where there are not many people to hear my music. I’m not much of one for self-promotion, so it seems things will remain that way. So, I guess I’ve got the modesty thing down pretty well.

And yet, I rub shoulders with other, often very talented folks, who are hustling to be heard. I don’t begrudge the Springsteens and Dylans, who have successfully done their self-promotion. But who can afford much in the way of modesty when this basic need is not being met?

My wish is that, in this lifetime, Pike will find some enlightenment, and find some capacity for compassion. My wishing him a rotten life will not help the chances of that happening. And, just as importantly, it does not help me.

I am forming a task force (blah blah blah) thorough report within 90 days.

How does it go? Ah, yes: Justice delayed is justice denied.