The Shock Doctrine

I have just started reading the Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein. So far it is fascinating, I had read some of Friedman's theories in the past mainly the Freedom To Choose. But I never realized his complicity in South American Dictatorships of Pinochet, Uruguay, and the Brazil and Argentina Junta's. Fascinating material. As I am reading this book on the heels of Krugman's Conscience of a Liberal, I am starting to ponder the thought that a strong educated middle class is the ultimate enemy of both dictatorships and corporatist described in Naomi's book. Klien points out persuasively that really Friedman is much closer to Marx in that his theories require a clean slate of society upon which to enforce his theories furthermore it must be pure. Such radicalism and fanaticism leads directly to the Gulag and the Torture Chamber.

Actions

Excellent essay by Sister Helen Prejean of Dead Man Walking fame. Mind numbing quote: "I keep watching what I do to see what I actually believe."

This quote really shook me. Often I can scream my beliefs off the rooftop in righteous indignation, but what really does that change. Sure it is important to convey information and to let people know what my beliefs are, but do I take those seriously if I do not act upon them besides blogging or reading relevant material?

Golden Oldies from 08 Election

“I have never made but one prayer to God, a very short one: "O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous." And God granted it.” -- Voltaire

Don't Mess With These Librarians

Article in Mother Jones describing some brave librarians who stood up to the FBI. Imagine getting one of these national security letters (NSL):

The recipient of the letter could not disclose "to any person that the FBI has sought or obtained access to information or records." It was a lifetime gag order; break it, and he could be looking at five years in jail. "I believe this is unconstitutional," said Christian politely. In response he got a threatening scowl, a business card, and instructions to have his lawyer call the FBI.

Library of Liberty

This is a great site that I just came across that lets you download PDF files of classic literature with a focus on individual liberty. Want to read Candide by Voltaire or maybe Cato's letters, no problem. It is simply amazing when one thinks about how easy it is to access literally thousands of books. To think the lengths men and women went to acquire a book or learn to read in ages past. And now that all of this information is merely minutes away, most of our society decides it is more important to vote on the next American Idol or to watch 3 hours of Real Housewives of Atlanta, then to relearn and read the actual works that influenced and formed the basis of our country. For my 2 cents I say the more patriotic person is the one who has actually read Rights of Man or Commonsense over someone who constantly brags about how patriotic they are because they have 15 flags on their house & 20 flag magnets on their car.

Special Comment on Prop 8

I enjoy watching Keith but sometimes he gets a little too much righteous indignation going on with his Special Comment...this is not one of those times.





What really bothers me about this is how the Mormons and The Catholic Church were so implicit in backing Prop 8. I am a Catholic and lapsed member of the Knights of Columbus. I continually struggle with some of the dictates and proclamations of my church such as how I am going to hell if I vote for Obama or that same sex marriage violates the sanctity of marriage. I tend to view my Catholic religion more in line with the great blogger Andrew Sullivan & Garry Wills. The way I see it, its my faith and I am not going to allow bigoted people whether priest, archbishop or laymen to tell me whether or not I am a "good catholic". I imagine I will continue to struggle with these issues but one thing is for sure, after Tuesday the Knights of Columbus will never see me as a member again.