Give Houston a Chance!

I'll admit it: I was ready to slam Houston. Marked by urban sprawl, riddled with corrupt energy executives, and disgraced politicians, and the military-aerospace complex (literally), the thought crossed my mind that a visit paid to the Bayou City would strand me amidst the country's worst smog, incredible sprawl, untenable humidity, and deeply reactionary pro-Bush politics.

Instead, I found a city marked by hospitality, whose ethnically-diverse residents welcomed me with open arms, a place which, although characterized by urban sprawl disorganized enough to amaze even an Angeleno, somehow seems livable. I'll be posting more of my thoughts about Houston soon, but from the art museums, to the climate, to the people, I must say... contradictions aside, or perhaps because of them, I think I like this place!

Brought to your friends at the Great Satan, and the Ad Council

KPFK-radio (90.7 FM, Los Angeles) is reporting that filming will proceed in downtown Los Angeles over the next few weeks on a Public Service Announcement (PSA) about suicide bombers, showing before, during, and aftermath of a suicide bomb attack. The ad reportedly will be shown in Iraq, to discourage people from becoming suicide bombers.

I'm all for the power of art to move people, and change lives, etc., but do they really think that a TV ad is going to deter folks who're full of enough indignation to kill themselves in pursuit of their perception of justice?

In any event, there's evidence, even from some right-leaning "news" sources, that some of these suicide bombers didn't mean to become that, at all.

Makes you wonder who's setting them up, doesn't it?

The PSA thing smells like a Karen Hughes joint. A statement at the State Department mentions amoung Hughes's goals: to "Offer people throughout the world a positive vision of hope and opportunity that is rooted in America's belief in freedom, justice, opportunity and respect for all." Notice that she's trying to offer the world a "vision" that's rooted in a "belief," rather than, say, "evidence" that demonstrates these cuddly notions, nor, gadzooks, policy changes aimed at implementing them. (Admittedly, actualy policy may be outside her purview, since "public diplomacy" means "PR", also known as, "bullshit.")

In any event, the idea that the solution to carbombers is a PSA, is almost as offensive as this.

War on Information

I see that Alberto Gonzalez has used a phrase indicating that the US is involved on something called a "war on information," which I take it would be a war against knowledge and data.

This should come as no surprise, since the USA is already said to be a war against an emotional condition.

Open Thread

Kos gets it right about Senator Clinton

Kos is right: The USA needs much better options than Hillary.

Back.

Back to blogging.

Let's get down.