Saturday, August 27, 2016

Led Zeppelin - Moby Dick (Live Royal Albert Hall 1970)


Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Blinded by the right by David Brock

Blinded by the Right: The Conscience of an Ex-ConservativeBlinded by the Right: The Conscience of an Ex-Conservative by David Brock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I became aware of David Brock through a recent documentary called" The brainwashing of my Dad" in which he is one of those that are interviewed in the film. I found his insight and commentary into politics of the right verses left very interesting and thought provoking. This book show how David rebelled against liberalism in college and grew into a right wing conservative writer. He wrote a provocative and controversial bestselling book on Anita Hill, "The real Anita Hill", and also wrote about "Troopergate" that was one of many Clinton scandals that were propagated by the right wing media in the 1990's. Later in the 90's he develops conscience and slips back to being liberal. Thrown into the mix was his personal struggle being a gay conservative which brought it's own issues both professional and with family and friends.

I could identify with the premise of moving and changing sides in the political spectrum. I too was a liberal minded person in my young adult years. but I wasn't necessarily hard core believer of any one party. With the advent of having a family in the years surrounding 9/11 I became more conservative for awhile. I never caught hold of the anger, bitterness and lunacy that seems to grown part of right wing politics. David seems to have gone through a similar pattern himself.

The book was an interesting look at the inner workings politics in Washington DC and the give and go of the right verses left. You do see some of what drives those who push the liberal hatred to the brink with personal and unscrupulous attacks. I look forward to reading more of David Brock.

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Sunday, August 7, 2016

On Bullshit by Harry G. Frankfurt

On BullshitOn Bullshit by Harry G. Frankfurt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I was inspired to read this after a news commentator, Fareed Zakaria of CNN, referenced this book in regards to Donald Trump. I'd have to agree that this does apply the Republican nominee that has used his own brand of bullshit to get as far as he has. It's a very short book and dives deeper into the concept of bullshit and the difference between a lie, being a liar, truth, bluffing or bullshit. It is an excellent read for those wishing to know more about bullshit.



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Saturday, August 6, 2016

Fareed's Zakaria: Trump is a B.S. artist








         


I've seen many people try and figure out Donald Trump. Many are right because Donald is many things but I think Fareed is pretty damn close to the mark. Donald is a world class bullshit artist that has nearly destroyed the Republican Party and has made a mockery of American politics. 

If you look at Donald's life it's all been about bullshitting. The money, women, power, business deals,  TV shows, tabloid headlines and Presidential campaign have all contained Donald's bullshit. Just look at all the lies and stories that he'd make up at the spur of the moment. So along with being a narcasistic sociopathic bigoted bully he is perhaps the worlds most successful bullshit artist that is trying to be  President.  , 

You might think that this bullshit part is harmless. A quote from the book Fareed mentions, On Bullshit by Harry G. Frankfurt, is very interesting:

"However studiously and conscientiously the bullshitter proceeds, it remains true that he is also trying to get away with something" 

This explains Trump lack depth in understanding of most subjects, aside from himself. He has already admitted he hasn't read a book in ages as he claims he's too busy. It has been noted by those that have been in his office that he has no books just papers and magazines(usually about him).Besides building a wall and banning Muslims he has put forth very few details of what his actual ideas or policy's are. 

It's scary that someone so thin skinned and lacking basic knowledge of the job he's seeking would be trusted to lead our country. I thought we were better than that. .

Thursday, August 4, 2016