Reemergence

Yes, after these many long months, I am returning to add a post - and hopefully many more in coming weeks. It has been super hectic but, hopefully, I'll be able to recalibrate some of that activity and take time for writing.

First and foremost, I have to commend the US District judge in Harrisburg, PA(albeit belatedly), on his ruling concerning teaching ID in the Dover, PA school system. I particularly liked the characterization of the policy being of "breathtaking inanity". Thank God a Bush appointee didn't get the case to adjudicate.

Secondly, I watched the most recent "Real Time with Bill Maher". If you don't get this program on cable or satellite, you should.

Let me first say that, at times, this show gets awfully preachy. Depending on the panelists and other guests, and Bill's own mood during that taping, it can be painful to watch.

However, there are times when it can be very insightful. Take last week's program - among the panelists was Senator Joe Biden of Delaware. I have always had respect for Sen. Biden, but I have to say his appearance raised my opinion of him immensely. As noted on the program, when allowed to fully flesh out an idea, thinking people like him can stitch seemingly unrelated issues together into cogent overarching themes that make sense.

Take, for instance, the current situation in Iraq. Sen. Biden spoke not only specifically on the situation on the ground there, but the regional issues we have created by invading that nation. While I have been in favor of getting out sooner than later, doing so too early would potentially destabilize the entire region. Without having a plan to deal with the entire region as Iraq tries to put itself back together, all that will happen is that a power vacuum will be created when we leave, political elements from most or all surrounding countries will enter the country, and then where are we?

And we can't even get a coherent thought from the current administration on its plans for just Iraq.

However, in mulling all this over in the days since I first saw this episode, I fear that folks like Sen. Biden cannot do well in our current social and media environment. His thoughtful comments cannot easily be condensed down to a handy sound bite. It takes time to make certain arguments and make them coherently.

That's what makes the Republican party so dangerous. They have come to realize just this dilemma. Therefore, they have settled on a tack in the media which does allow for sound bites that people will listen and respond to - they talk in terms that appeal to the "lizard" parts of our brains. That is, their messages go to the heart of our collective emotional being. They go for the knee-jerk, emotional response. It plays well on Fox News, but when you really evaluate what's being said, there's nothing of substance there.

Very early in the show, Senator Biden voiced his intention to run for the Presidency in the next election. Even the Republican voice on that show, Kevin Phillips, applauded Sen. Biden's character, integrity, and frankness in his dealings with the media and the public at large.

While I am not ready to endorse anyone for any office in upcoming elections, Senator Biden's comments and obvious intellect will keep me tuned to his campaign. If only he can get that message out effectively.

Wouldn't it be refreshing to have a thoughtful person in the White House in light of the last 6 years?