Woh woh woh! I am not Flynn
Gary, you've inspired this impromptu post because, well, I know I've been away - a lot has been going on, much of it not in terms of good things, and let's be honest, most of it has been really shitty and distressing, so I've been hesitant to write -- but I am not the likes of Sr. Flynn. He still won't call me back, despite the fact that I leave messages saying, "I really need to talk to you, things are pretty messed up right now," etc. So I at least try to call...
Ok, what's up. Lots of things, most of which I don't feel comfortable airing on a blog.
What I do feel sort of comfortable talking about is the messed up state of affairs in America / American politics, and how even I am getting political. It is impossible not to be political in times like these, and I have to say that I am worried about what is going to happen in the next 4 years 6 years 8 years 10 years in this country. Looking at the map as the election results were rolling in, it confirmed and solidified certain things about where I live nowadays (TN, Nashville, the South most generally). In Nashville, as a college town where at least some intellectuals abound, there is a patch of blue in a sea of red. Most of the nation is extremely conservative and right now I live in the thick of it. It makes a different sort of sense to me right now than it would have if I'd remained in NY after graduating from college. Needless to say, it gives me some perspective on matters. Churches with marquis that say "PRAY TO GOD FOR VICTORY IN THE ELECTION," and the like go above and beyond the prosletyzing (sp?)that passes for normal round here...and makes my blood boil. Clearly the deity of your choice belongs to a political party, and clearly we know which party, and clearly...we also know which deity of choice this means....CLEARLY. People I know -- CJ who is probably the least political guy I know - was out on the street corner hoisting Kerry signs and slapped a Kerry sticker on his car. Professors were cancelling class, ready to go to Washington to protest if need be... ////// And all those referenda banning gay marriage and discrediting civil unions -- how strongly the majority of the voting nation feels about this -- is astounding and discouraging all at the same time. I realize that most of the nation is more conservative than myself, and that it doesn't share my personal predelictions and beliefs...no surprise there...but the narrowmindedness and lack of critical engagement with issues and with the state of American "democracy" is shameful. What passes for democracy in name is not carried out in deed, or at least, the notion of democracy is not one that I find sufficiently satisfying. Where is John Dewey when you need him? Philosophy as a critique of critique...ahhhhh Anyway...people were grafitting election signs, some stop signs were tagged with the word BUSH after the word STOP, and my professor was ready to get into a fist fight if someone fucked with his Kerry lawn placard. This is a sorry state of affairs for the nation.
(end political rant...Flynn should post about this, his rants are always much more fact oriented than mine, and I have some, but it would get outta control!)
Other news...
Went to see a Misfits coverband on Halloween. Rockin!
Still haven't filled you in on Yo La Tengo or the Pixies...but I will.
Going to be in NY for some turkey starting the 19th of November...so think about it...just think about it.
