American Darwinism

So who is more American--the war hero who saved his crew member from death or the senator's son who escaped real service because of his name?

Actually I don't find Kerry or Bush very heroic. Kerry would be heroic in my eyes if he'd just defend his stance against the Vietnam war. It was a war of economics, power and greed. This is a war of economics, power and greed. Just say it. Just fucking admit it to yourself and to the American people for goodness' sake. Vietnam... Iraq... both slaughterhouses to protect the capitalist ideals our rich and powerful hold so dear. Neither protected America. Neither made us safer from terrorism. Iraq is making it more dangerous for Americans to travel in the world.

Fuck that. I'm getting a Canadian flag and sewing it to my clothing, my luggage and stamping it on my forehead. Where ever I go, I'll sing the boring, Celine Dionesque Canadian anthem and pretend I don't know that New York City and New York state are two different entities. I'll pretend to think hockey is the greatest thing since the mullet, and I'll drink plenty of Labbatts and Molson (which isn't a problem really; Canadians do make better cheap beer).

I suggest all Americans do it--except those who still plan to vote for Bush. For those of you who believe he really is best for America, please wear the American flag while traveling abroad. When in the middle east, drive an SUV down the dessert roads, blast God Bless America out of your subwoofers, and make sure to plaster that oil sucking, son of a bitch with Ol Glory so that Muslims can experience the beauty that is Republican American pride. While doing it put that chin up in the air and assert that your country has made the world a lot safer. Do that, please. And bring a camera. It will be fun watching Darwin in action.

I Need a Hero

So I don’t feel inspired today. Probably because there just isn’t a lot to be inspired about. John Kerry has gone back to his boring centrist ways. Ralph Nader sold out stadiums in 2000; now maybe he has just sold out.

Who can we believe in today? Where is the average American to go to for inspiration?

Yet, I have been inspired and excited lately by, not individuals, but by my computer. Blogging is bringing democracy back to journalism and ideas. Organizations like Moveon have found new ways for ultra busy citizens to organize and effectively make change (and put all too needed pressure on the democratic party to get a backbone and become truly progressive). They have been effective, and most importantly they have made the average person feel empowered again.

I just hope we will learn to better complement this new found democratic community movement with exercise--cause I'm only getting fatter.