The lack of self-awareness is almost amusing.

From this morning's Washington Monthly:

"In a smart column today, Bruce Bartlett looks at why it will be so hard for politicians to cut government spending: because so many Americans who say they support cutting government programs don't realize just how much they benefit from them.

Remember, for example, when a town hall attendee famously told his congressman to "keep your government hands off my Medicare"? Apparently that bewilderingly blinkered sentiment is hardly unique."

The lack of self-awareness is almost amusing.

From this morning's Washington Monthly:

"In a smart column today, Bruce Bartlett looks at why it will be so hard for politicians to cut government spending: because so many Americans who say they support cutting government programs don't realize just how much they benefit from them.

Remember, for example, when a town hall attendee famously told his congressman to "keep your government hands off my Medicare"? Apparently that bewilderingly blinkered sentiment is hardly unique."

When democracy weakens

A sobering column by Bob Herbert:

As the throngs celebrated in Cairo, I couldn’t help wondering about what is happening to democracy here in the United States. I think it’s on the ropes. We’re in serious danger of becoming a democracy in name only.

When democracy weakens

A sobering column by Bob Herbert:

As the throngs celebrated in Cairo, I couldn’t help wondering about what is happening to democracy here in the United States. I think it’s on the ropes. We’re in serious danger of becoming a democracy in name only.

Sunday, not quite afternoon

The sun is struggling to come out. Stiff breeze, temps in the 40s, and the snowmelt is dripping off the eaves and rattling down the gutters. I realize it could be a false alarm--this is the Midwest and it is mid-February. Still could be looking at more snow. Possibly even a lot more snow.

But I'm not thinking about that today. I have turned down the furnace and opened windows to let in fresh air--that's what heavy sweatshirts are for. Bought more seeds yesterday: mesclun mix, basil collection. Broccoli raab, for something new and different. The basil will go in a big, fat container on the deck, methinks. The raised bed will be for tomatoes, bell peppers, and lettuces.

I don't want to wish the days away, but I want it to be June. I want to sit out on the deck and watch the pups play and listen to the birds and feel the sun on my face.

Sunday, not quite afternoon

The sun is struggling to come out. Stiff breeze, temps in the 40s, and the snowmelt is dripping off the eaves and rattling down the gutters. I realize it could be a false alarm--this is the Midwest and it is mid-February. Still could be looking at more snow. Possibly even a lot more snow.

But I'm not thinking about that today. I have turned down the furnace and opened windows to let in fresh air--that's what heavy sweatshirts are for. Bought more seeds yesterday: mesclun mix, basil collection. Broccoli raab, for something new and different. The basil will go in a big, fat container on the deck, methinks. The raised bed will be for tomatoes, bell peppers, and lettuces.

I don't want to wish the days away, but I want it to be June. I want to sit out on the deck and watch the pups play and listen to the birds and feel the sun on my face.

Upon further review

I think Pirates of the Caribbean should have stopped at movie the first. It ended at the right place all around.

Upon further review

I think Pirates of the Caribbean should have stopped at movie the first. It ended at the right place all around.