Occupation of Independence

It is both remarkable and wonderful that powerful experiences can recur, and yet remain powerful, or even, take a step closer to perfection. One of these happened recently. I was working outdoors on a warm, windy, arid day in the American Southwest. I wish I had looked at the thermometer. It was probably only 70 F or so. But the sun was oppressive. Maybe I hadn't drunk enough water on the mountain bike ride, earlier in the morning. Just then, a cloud blocked the sun. The temperature seemed to fall by 15 F -- instantly. I wanted to fall down, upon my knees, and pray to almighty Somebody-or-Other for their Divine Mercy. OK, so I am milking the act a little here -- but not by very much! A modern secularist, under the right conditions, has the same instincts that their ancestors had, centuries, or even millennia, ago. If they think they are vastly superior to their ancestors, it is only because of their soft, comfortable, secure, and insipid existence. They need only experience some No

Youngsters haven't seen as many classic TV ads as I have. I am genuinely fond of a couple of them. My all-time favorite was the old boy bringing in his Model T car for a free muffler at Midas Muffler. Likewise they haven't heard as many political slogans, although it is harder to think of ones that I was ever fond of. But one of the better political slogans was the one feminists came up with, circa 1970: "Get Your Laws Off Our Bodies!" It was a good slogan because it brought people over to their side who perhaps didn't like feminists, in general. Do you think the slogan is relevant today, during the virus panic? I think it is. It might need to be improved for accuracy. How much of the lockdown is about "laws" at all? -- as opposed to mere decrees from the Never Elected? Of course, the slogan is unlikely to be used by today's Progressives. After all, the slogan is essentially Libertarian, whereas the modern Progressive is firmly in the authoritarian

After presidential elections a remarkable map of the USA shows up here and there: a map of blue counties and red counties. The map is impressive! It seems like 90% of America is red, on a square mile basis (especially if you ignore a couple indian reservations or the southern border). But those blue counties have enormous populations. Doesn't this suggest a way to stifle the virus, achieve political comity, and throttle-up the economy? I propose keeping the blue counties in lockdown -- permanently, if they want. That should have a real medical benefit: dense populations are breeding grounds for pestilence and disease. In contrast, the red counties can start to loosen up, faster. It should create an era of good feelings, too. Blue counties seem to favor lockdown -- on EVERYBODY. Let them stop being so generous, and keep the lockdown for themselves. They could think of it as "enlightened self-interest." Then they could get rid of their HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes on

Real world experience is so important, compared to reading one more book. For instance I have read a lot about the Great War, World War I. But at some point I think, "I don't even feel sorry for you guys. Why didn't you rebel against your leaders, rather than be slaughtered every day?" In fairness, French soldiers did rebel in 1918. They would no longer 'go over the top'  when the officer blew the whistle -- they would no longer participate in suicidal and useless charges. But they held their ground defensively. They weren't deserters. Still, how could the vast majority of citizens and soldiers throw their lives away, based on the commands of leaders who were murderous fools? That is one good thing in experiencing the virus lockdown. I see a nation of sheep, throwing its livelihoods away, based on nothing but propaganda from the boob toob. Actually, we should stop comparing Americans to sheep, and change it to earthworms, instead. The American economy, 20