I've been sick for about two weeks -- physically and emotionally.
The haze is finally lifting for my physical ailments. Memo to self: don't get on a plane again with a sinus infection. But the more serious affliction is the utter contempt I feel for so much of humanity right now.
On a lighter note, I am disgusted by the level of play in the MLB playoffs. No doubt, the atheletes are better than ever, but the level of play is atrocious by High School standards when I was playing. I'm glad the Cubs beat the Braves, but considering how poorly they hit with men on base, I'm not exactly optimistic about their future chances. And how Tim McCarver managed to play so long and be such a respected broadcaster still evades me since he still doesn't know the rules.
On a heavier note, I am disgusted by the last minute revelations concerning Arnold Schwarzenegger. If he wasn't about to win, absolutely none of this would have come out. Anyway, unless California is now going to recall their legislature, nothing much is going to change. A pox on all their houses.
I am disgusted by the Plame blame game, beginning with Robert Novak and extending to Joe Wilson and all those in the media who are using it as there latest proxy to try and pull a gotcha on the administration. I'm still not sure anyone in the administration did anything wrong, but if they did, they should have their citizenship revoked after they get out of jail. A pox is too good for what these folks deserve.
I am disgusted by the reaction to Rush Limbaugh's comments (dumb and wrong, but not racist -- there aren't six teams that wouldn't trade their starting QB for McNabb today), but even more appalled at the patina of political correctness that now covers all discussion of the topic in polite society. The on-air talent at ESPN really take themselves far, far too seriously, while the usual suspects can always be counted on to pile on. Do you think they'll ever figure out that Rush was talking about the media and it's prejudices, not Donovan McNabb? Nah.
I am disgusted by the inability of the learned, and the unlearned, to have any perspective on what is going on in the War on Terrorism. This topic is so broad as to defy any comprehensive listing, but you know what I mean. Bastards. Everywhere.
But most of all, I am disgusted with my inability to live up to the standards I try and espouse to others.
I'll be back if I can sort it all out.
I was just happened to watch the last few seconds of the Redskins / Eagles game in which the Eagles were winning 27 - 25 when one of the ESPN announcers spouts this tidbit of genius, "If anyone ever deserved to win tonight it was Donovan McNabb after all the controversy last week." I would have choked on a chicken wing if I hadn't nearly puked. Now I rarely listen to sports annoucers especially NFL annoucers because it is extremely difficult to understand them while their mouths are so firmly attached to players asses it almost sounds like celebrity worship and really takes away from the game. Because I know that some of those players suck, because if no one sucked, no one would ever lose.
The Braves have gone from being perennial losers when I was a kid, teenager, and young adult in the '60s, '70s, and '80s to being perennial post seasons losers in the '90s and '00s while I approach middle age. Time to fire the whole team and start over. Twelve straight division titles a major league record, big deal. Go Cubbies!
Posted by: Harry at 06:22 AMWelcome back, Charles. I was about to send out the Mounties. Sorry to hear about your ailment. I guess I should ask what was going through your mind that prompted you to fly with a sinus infection, but sometimes things can't be helped.
As for MLB, I stopped caring after the last strike. Even of the Cubs win (unlikely), I won't be back.
Ahnold will suck as governor. He will likely be every bit as good a politician as he is an actor. As one who grew up in San Diego and lived most of my life in Southern California, I'll say only this: They deserve everything that has happened to them... and more.
I don't even begin to have the mental and emotional energy to figure out all this crap with Plame/Wilson. I'll leave that to Andrew Sullivan. In fact, I'd have to question if my life has probably even been affected by this little event.
Rush was wrong. Period. But so was everyone else who immediately yanked his comment about the media out of context and made it about McNabb. And I tend to believe his resignation had more to do with the drug thing.
As for Iraq, read Charles Duelfer's remarkable piece in the WaPo today. You'll be a better man for it. And please keep in mind we have always had, and always will have, complete idiots in positions of great power and influence. It keeps us on our toes, right? And remember, there's an entire generation of journalists out there who got their career track after seeing "All the President's Men" and deciding that Robert Redford is simply a hell of an actor. I should know; I'm one of them (we all have our cross to bear).
I think it was Tolstoy who said something to the effect that it is always easier to fight for principles than it is to live up to them. Not to diminish your legitimate angst here, Charles, but welcome to life. Where have you been hanging out up to now?
Posted by: greg at 07:29 AMWelcome back and I hope you are feeling better -- both physically and emotionally.
Arnold will most likely be a lousy governor. It's a shame that the only candidate who might actually make a real positive difference for California (McClintock) is running third. But sadly, I don't expect anything different from California.
Rush made the mistake of trying to make a cultural/societal comment regarding the media in the setting of a football pregame show. On the other hand, I'm not shy about saying that I think McNabb is overrated this year -- from a fantasy football perspective. The most production I've got from my QB position is when Philly had a bye and I started Bulger. Sheesh, even Brees outperformed McNabb this past week.
Regarding your last comment I'll empathize with you repeat something I know I've sent you before. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.
Cheers,
"I'll be back if I can sort it all out."
What ever you do don't try too hard...
Posted by: Mike Van Winkle at 08:10 AMCharles, you need some barbecue.
Good, fresh, tender pork shoulder, smoked over a hickory fire until the meat slides off the bone, pulled, and doused with a bit of something tangy. Side of slaw, some beans, sweet tea, and a slice of pecan pie.
The world becomes a more tolerable place when you're through eating.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at 11:28 AM