Aping Bill Mahr

Originally Posted Friday, October 31, 2014

I must have been ten seconds ahead of the media criticism of the woman who shot the catcall video.  And I thought I would be the only one who noticed.  I agree withCamille Paglia who says that men are dangerous beasts.  Surely I do.  If I see three young men leaning against a car on a lonesome side street, the cadence of my stride generally changes.  I am not telling myself, "Oh, good, there are some other fellows around."  I can only imagine what it feels like to be a woman in that situation. Paglia has been saying this for more years than I can remember, and with her I have always agreed.  What Paglia isn't saying, though, is what is shown on the video and what now the video maker must try to justify/explain/diffuse.  Cultures are different.  That is why we recognize them as cultures.  If they weren't, we would just call it all Culture.  But that would be problematic for the anthropology job market.  Aren't we supposed to celebrate cultural diversity?  Oh. . . .

Like almost all Republicans, I am not a scientist, but remember when I was the first to tell you that there would be radioactive fish after the tsunami that damaged the nuclear reactor in Japan?  No?  Well, that's the way you are.  But I was.  And let me be the first to tell you that there was radioactive material (and many bad chemicals) on that rocket that blew up in Virginia.  You don't want to be someone who lives around there.  Let's keep an eye on the incidents of cancer over the next few years.  I'm selfish and am glad that they are moving these crazy outsourced launches to states other than mine.  Texas, I think, is the perfect place.  Yes, they should all launch from Texas.  There is a great economic opportunity there. 

What other things are we just not talking about?  It is difficult to think when the nation turns its eyes to the new World Series Legend and to Lebron James' return to Cleveland.  But something has to keep us from thinking about Ebola and ISIS and the Koch Bros. (yes, all in the same bucket).  Oil spills that have ruined the Gulf of Mexico are a thing of the past.  BP is like an international bank and can get away with any amount of fraud it wishes. 

But again. . . I am not a scientist. 

Oh, my. . . I almost forgot.  Today is Halloween.  I don't know if there will be trick or treaters in my neighborhood or not.  But if you are sending your kids out in costume, remember that Pink Princess outfits are o.k. for boys but may not be o.k. for girls.  It sends the wrong message.  These are very tricky times in which to grow up or be a parent. . . or a grandparent. . . .  It is a mess.  I guess I'll just sit at home tonight in my fat girl costume and see if any kids come to the door.  I got the damn thing cheap.  It was on the sale wrack at the Dollar Store.  I don't care how cheap it was, though, I'm going to get my money's worth. 

Here's wishing you a Happy All's Hallow Eve.