The President’s press conference last week was a disaster by most measures. Conor Friedersdorf has a good tit-for-tat followup. The President essentially denied the patriotism of a man who threw his life away to tell his fellow Americans about how their rights are being systematically violated, then seemed to strongly imply that a rigorous and responsible debate about surveillance was about to spring forth before NSA leaks ruined it. Tough sell, to say the least.
It’s possible that Mr. Williamson and I agree on what’s to come after governments go broke, start breaking contracts (like in Rhode Island) and otherwise throw up their hands and admit that the party’s over. Perhaps I’m just more ill-at-ease over the thought that these agreements with public sector workers and retirees were so ill-conceived and stupid that promises will soon have to be broken.
As a guilt-ridden occasional smoker of tobacco products, I find it pretty insulting that the FDA’s rules might drive occasional smokers to indulge in more dangerous products by keeping potentially safer products off the market. For example, I have a hard time believing that the e-cigarette is more harmful than Marlboro Lights.
Full Disclosure: Jacob Grier is an underemployed magician/barfly/boozologist who has crafted among the best cocktails I’ve ever had. Buy his book. Read his blog.
Robert Anton Wilson is among my favorite writers. Karl Hess was among the first libertarians (er, well, anarchists) I read in high school. As a former speechwriter for Barry Goldwater, it’s quite likely many of Goldwater’s written words were infused with Hess’s influence. This video is an evening discussion between the two of them. Special bonus: They appear to be sharing a cigarette (of sorts) during the discussion.
Zawistowski says his experience was typical. He argues the kinds of questions the I.R.S. asked his group amounts to little more than “opposition research.”
Jeremy Drew saw a police officer parked illegally outside a market, so he recorded the officer and asked for his badge number. The officer refused, fired up his motorcycle and then spoke (mostly unintelligibly) to Jeremy. But what impresses me most is that the kid asserted himself to the officer without being disrespectful. It’s a valuable lesson for all of us when we engage with abusers of power, however large the abuse.
The video went viral. Jeremy then posted a followup, entitled, “My Response to My Viral Video.” It’s damn near the most precious thing I’ve seen in a long time. He asks YouTube commenters to be nicer to him and the police officer involved. I hope that kid doesn’t lose his strong regard for his fellow man and his willingness to directly, assertively and respectfully engage with people. It’s sorely needed … especially on YouTube.