I am a smooth stone in a rushing stream. Fallen leaves, twigs, and bits of wood drift by. I notice them, but I do not react.
Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ was one such bit of flotsam. Haven't seen it. Won't write about it until I do. Am puzzled by those who hadn't seen it before they began their caveat-laden commentary on other people's commentary, some of whom hadn't seen it either. Will work on creating complete sentences soon. Promise.
9/11 imagery in Bush campaign ads is another small leaf in the current. I've digested much commentary on this, and the split is utterly predictable. Hate Bush (or are affiliated with a group that does)? Then you're outraged. Don't hate Bush? Then you think it's a valid campaign issue. Myself? I think that the confrontation with Islamic terror is the single most important problem facing this nation. I'd rather have Bush "exploiting" it than Kerry ignoring it until he's forced to do otherwise by stepping outside the bubble of the Democratic primaries. Me, I don't need the imagery: I've got it burned into my brain and nostrils already, thanks. But the other 99.999% of the country needs to be reminded that it wasn't just a television show, and that there was a reason that Bush's approval ratings soared in the aftermath of the attacks.
Exploitation of monkey labor on South American rubber plantations? Frankly, I could care less. Let's put it this way: a generation ago, monkeys hung around in trees eating mangos, and had to walk to work in the mud. Now, they may make pennies a day balling up tree sap, but it's enough for them to save up and buy bicyles to ride to work. In another decade, the monkeys will be carpooling. That's the beauty of capitalism.
What else have I been Buddhistically inclined towards lately? Gay marriage, that's something that I seem to recall reading a word or thousand about. Short take: the sacred institution of marriage is a myth, and the family-values yahoos need to wake up and smell the Elvis chapel. At the same time, I sure as hell don't want my mayor deciding what's constitutional and what isn't. Neither, it must be said, do I want my President using the Constitution as a campaign tool by proposing an amendment he knows doesn't have a drag-queen's chance in Tulsa of getting passed, simply to lock in a base that's probably going to vote for him anyway. I'm investing in companies that make same-sex wedding cake toppers. Tip: Groom N' Groom is a sleeper, buy now.
Using the International Space Station for prophylactics research? I'm all for it. Maybe we'll get an undetectable reusable condom that will save the lives of a few sheep.
This concludes Somewhat Relevant Monday. Tune in tomorrow for Righteously Vague Tuesday and remember: March is Solipsism Month!
